Josh sets his sights on Olympic place

A young hockey talent has his eyes set on an Olympic spot after being selected for Great Britain’s College squad.

Josh Dent, 16, of Coddington, was one of 22 players who made it through national trials at Cannock for selection.

The former Newark Hockey Club striker will take part against age-group teams from across the country, starting with England Under-18s next year.

After impressing at regional level, he stood out in a field of 70 players to be selected for the national college squad.

Having narrowly missed out on the National Age Group squad in 2015, Dent feels he is back on track.

“I have been involved in trials for the Mercia squads in the past but never got to the next level,” he said.

“I was not expecting anything this time because of previous years, but now I have made this squad it has opened my eyes about what I could achieve.

“In an ideal world, I would be looking to get picked for England under-21s and my ultimate dream is to play in the 2024 Olympics.

“That is what I am aiming for. I may as well aim high and if I fall short then at least I have gone for it.”

He was a junior player at Newark Hockey Club from the age of four, and made the first team before signing for Nottingham-based Boots.

Dent, currently studying at Newark College, believes his hockey has improved considerably over the past year with the Midlands Division One team.

“The quality of the players around me have really brought me up a level,” he said.

“Things are going in the right direction. I have got to keep working to make sure I get the opportunities in the future.”

After a successful first year at his club, Dent has been hampered by injury in the early part of the season but, aftermaking a full recovery, he is working his way back into first team contention.