Former Canterbury star Grace Balsdon speaks about her Commonwealth Games selection

Grace Balsdon credits her Canterbury upbringing for the success she’s enjoyed in hockey after being named in England’s Commonwealth Games squad.

Balsdon came through the ranks at her local club, growing up around star names such as Mel Clewlow and Jen Wilson, to become an established international defender.

The 29-year-old is looking forward to her second Commonwealth Games - she won bronze in Australia four years ago - following this week’s squad announcement.

She’s also tasted Olympic success, scoring the winner as Great Britain beat India 4-3 in Tokyo last summer in a thrilling bronze-medal match.

Balsdon plays for Hampstead & Westminster these days but hasn’t forgotten her Canterbury roots as she gears up for this summer’s gold-medal bid on home soil in Birmingham.

She said: “I valued all the experiences I had when I was at Canterbury, playing with some great players, Mel Clewlow, Nat Seymour, Cathy Gilliat-Smith, Jen Wilson.

“Those are all players in their prime who I grew up with and inspired me to be in the position I’m fortunate to be in now.

“I remember watching Jen and Mel in the Beijing Olympics, thinking, ‘One day I really wish that was me’.

“I was really fortunate to have those role models.

“They helped my drive and helped me create my passion for what I wanted to be doing with my development.

“It all stems from being and playing in Canterbury.

“I’m very grateful for those experiences because I wouldn’t have been here today, where am I now.”

Balsdon, who made her international debut aged 20, earned her 50th England cap at the end of May.

She’s been a regular in the Pro League but the nerves were still there before the squad announcement, with nobody wanting to miss out on a home Games and the chance to