Teenager Josh wins national spot - and wants to become the next Adam Dixon

A young hockey player is aiming to be the next Adam Dixon after moving one step closer to earning a place on a national squad.

Josh Dent, 14, who plays for Newark Hockey Club 1sts, has been selected for tier two of Junior Regional Performance Squad.

He is one of just a few players from Nottinghamshire to advance to tier two and will now feature in the England Hockey’s Future Cup next week.

The competition aims to give young players the experience of playing in an international tournament environment.

This will help him prepare for potential future involvement in a National Age Group Squad.

Dent said he was shocked after earning his selection because he was up against several talented players.

“I wouldn’t have thought I had a chance in the competition so it’s fantastic to be selected,” he said.

“When I joined the squad I was a bit nervous because I didn’t know what skill level they would be at.

“Everyone has been nice and welcoming so it has been good so far.”

'I want to follow in Adam Dixon's footsteps'

Dent was one of three Newark Hockey Club players to take part in the selection process, along with Emilia Hill and Harry Troop.

The route is similar to that taken by England and GB player and former Newark star Adam Dixon, who Dent wants to emulate.

“I want to follow in Adam Dixon’s footsteps. My aim is to get into the England squad for a chance to play in their under-16s,” he said.

“Adam started off at Newark before he went into the England squads and is now the captain at Beeston.”

Dent’s experience at Newark saw him enjoy two seasons with the 3rds after turning 13 when he scored several goals.

He said he liked the atmosphere at the club.

“After my first season I loved the people I was playing with, so I stayed with them I ended up scoring about 30 goals.

“The competitive level is so high and the skill level means I am getting better with every game I’m playing.”