Bulldogs’ Charley Farr prepares to fly flag for GB Under-16 Women in Netherlands

INTERNATIONAL CALLING: Bulldogs’ Under-16 ‘D’ Charley Farr is heading out to the Netherlands with GB Under-16 Women to take part in the Evolve Cup. Picture: Andy Bourke/Podium Prints.

BRADFORD BULLDOGS youngster Charley Farr is hoping her time with the GB Under-16 Women’s team at the Evolve Cup this week will just be the first of many opportunities to represent her country.

The 15-year-old has been selected as part of the GB roster for the Evolve Cup, which takes place in the Netherlands from May 2-4 and involves a number of European clubs, including teams from top hockey nations such as Sweden and Czechia. 

Her inclusion follows selections both for England and for the GB Ball Hockey team in recent years. 

The Beckfoot Thornton pupil, from Clayton, first started playing with the Bulldogs back in 2019 and this season has played in defence for them at Under-16 and Under-18 level. 

She said she was delighted to have got through the lengthy trial process which lasted from last summer through until March when the GB coaches made their final selection. 

“The trials were very tough and nerve-wracking as all you want to do is impress all your coaches and work as hard as you can,” she said. 

“I never expected to make it this far but thanks to all my coaches I did. I got a lot of support from my family and my team-mates, which helped me get through the trial process and gave me a lot of confidence.

“I’d like to thank my head coach at Bradford, Andy Brown, as well as my coach at Sheffield Shadows, Michael Szollosy - they have been the best coaches I’ve had and have got me to where I am now.

DESERVED: Bulldogs’ head coach, Andy Brown, with Charley.

“I’d also like to thank my mum and dad because, without them, I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere in hockey. They have been my biggest supporters and by my side every step of the way.” 

It is expected to be a testing few days tournament for the GB team, but Charley is looking forward to the experience, as well as learning from head coach, Reg Wilcox, and the rest of his staff.

“It’s going to be a tough week and we are going to come up against some brilliant teams,” she added. “It’s going to be a great experience. 

“It would be wonderful for me to be able to progress through the different age groups with GB and eventually play for the women’s team - that is my ultimate ambition. 

“I still have lots of improvement to make in order for me to do that, but I hope one day that I can.”

Bulldogs’ head coach Andy Brown, also an assistant coach with the GB Under-18 men’s team, said Charley fully-deserved her opportunity.

“Charley has worked so hard for this and I know it’s been her dream for quite some time,” said Brown. “I’m sure she’s going to do the club, her parents and herself proud. It’s a fantastic achievement and we all wish her the best of luck.”

GB Under-16s Women’s coach, Wilcox, added: “All players have shown desire to perform at their best and to take-on the playing ethos we are trying to instil.

“As a group, all players have pushed themselves and each other and raised standards across the squad as a whole.”