‘Wearing an England shirt is a phenomenal feeling’: Harleston Magpies’ Lucy Field makes World Cup squad

An amateur hockey player has been given the opportunity of a lifetime after being named in a World Cup squad at the age of 41.

Lucy Field is set to travel to South Africa in October to represent England in the Over 40s Masters team.

The Harleston Magpies II captain has already brought pride to the nation after being part of the European Championship Over 35s’ side that won gold in Holland in 2019.

The midfielder was then a non-travelling reserve in 2022 when the World Cup was in Nottingham.

Now, on the back of a second place finish at the Ladies Masters Hockey Over-40s Four Nations tournament in June, she is determined to make her family, club and country proud.

“I have been to a Euros and Home Nations, but to have the opportunity to go to a World Cup for England is absolutely amazing,” she said.

Mrs Field, who is an assistant headteacher at Harleston Sancroft Academy, must now raise £3,000 to cover the cost of the trip.

“Representing your country at this level is self-funded, so every drop of petrol, every bit of kit, travel and accommodation has to be paid for,” she said.

“Hopefully, people will support me as this is such an incredible opportunity.

“The Magpies have been incredible and are behind me 100 per cent, which is so nice, as are my family, who are over the moon for me.”

Asked what it is like to walk out on to a pitch with the Three Lions on her chest, Mrs Field said she could picture a prouder moment.

“With an England shirt on and your name on the back, it is a phenomenal feeling,” she told the Diss Express.

“And this group of women are so inspirational. Being on that pitch with them with the same common goal is just fantastic.”

To donate, go online to GoFundMe and search for Lucy Field.