CITY of York Hockey Club’s Lorraine Pearey is counting down to her England debut.

The 46-year-old has earned a place in the national Masters Over-45s squad for a series of tournaments over the next year.

The first assignment for Tadcaster-based Pearey is a tournament in Guernsey from May 29 to 31 before the Home Nations competition at Wakefield on June 26 and 27.

The European Championships will be staged in London from August 22 to 28, while the World Cup is scheduled to be played in Australia from March 28 to April 10 next year.

“It is quite an achievement - and it’s come after a long time,” she said.

“There were two trials sessions - one at the beginning of October and then a second in February, then they selected the squad.

“This is my second year of trying, but I got in so it feels pretty good. It all starts with the Guernsey tournament now.

“A lot of people from City of York have congratulated me and they are very supportive.”

She added: “It is quite daunting because it is all new.

“England have had pretty strong squads in previous tournaments, but a lot of players have gone up to the over-50s, so there are spaces available.

“It will be interesting to see how it all goes. I am looking forward to it.”

Having taken up the game as a Tadcaster Grammar School pupil, Pearey played league hockey for Tadcaster HC before joining York Ladies HC.

They subsequently changed guise to City of York HC and she has played for them ever since, while also appearing for Yorkshire Under-21s in the outdoor and indoor game.

Selection for the North of England at O40s and O45s prompted Pearey to attend trials for the England squad and she was successful at the second attempt, having missed out last year.

Pearey is now faced with the task of funding her travel costs for the England tournaments, and she appealed to any would-be sponsors to get in touch.

“It is all self-funded so it would be nice to get some form of sponsorship,” she said.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Pearey can phone her on 01937 835584.