SIXTH-FORMER Will Seward is aiming to make his mark on the international scene when the England U18 squad lock horns with Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium in the Four Nations tournament this Easter.

The 18-year-old, from West Overton, broke into the U18s fold last season and has secured his place in the England side for this year’s annual competition, which takes place in Mannheim, Germany, on April 19-20.

Former Marlborough player Seward, a sixth-form pupil at St John’s School, plies his trade for Team Bath Buccanneers’ first team, who were narrowly missed out on promotion to the top tier of the England Hockey League this season.

The youngster, who has also represented his country at U16 level, is looking forward to his trip to Germany after being overlooked for last year’s Four Nations.

“It’s a really big competition, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’m not too sure if I’ll be starting but there are so many substitutions in hockey that you’re always going to be involved,” he said.

“I didn’t make the squad last year but I know a lot of people in the team, so it’s nice to be playing with them this time. I moved to Team Bath midway through last year but I only started playing for the first team this season.

“It’s been amazing – I feel like I’ve improved so much and my fitness has gone up loads playing at this level.

“I love the international stuff too though and this Easter should be exciting.”

Seward, who also plays for the Buccaneers’ U18 side, was recently the recipient of a £1,000 grant from SportsAid, designed to support potential Olympians.

He added: “That grant has been amazing.

“It’s helped so much to pay for things like accommodation and the cost of driving to tournaments and things like that.”

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