Jacob Draper
will follow in the footsteps of previous Cardiff & Met and Wales Senior player
Liam Brignull in gaining selection for Great Britain U21. Alongside Wales
Senior team mate and ex-Cardiff & Met player Ben Francis, Jacob will attend
the Sultan of Johor Cup, Malaysia, from 22nd to the 29th
October 2017.
The
announcement follows a rigorous trial process as Cardiff & Met’s No7
comments “I found the process so valuable
for my personal development, performing in an atmosphere that was tense as the
players’ did not want to put a foot wrong. I’ve always hated playing under
pressure, finding it difficult to perform to my best, but as I completed each
assessment camp I gradually became accustomed to it, subsequently I feel that
side of my game as improved.”
There
is no doubt the trial process played an important part in Jacob’s influential
performances for Cardiff & Met HC during early season National League and
EuroHockey League fixtures. The combination of domestic league fixtures, Hockey
Wales Senior Men’s program and GB U21 representation will no doubt place
substantial demands on Jacob, however his sights are set on the next step. “Selection for the Elite Development Program
is released on the 1st November so hopefully I’m in that. This will
entail training several days a month, so with university commitments I’m going
to have to be super organised and committed to both Hockey and academia. Selection
for the U21’s is a huge honour and something that has been a goal of mine for
so long, being able to pull on the GB 21’s shirt will be an overwhelming
feeling. I am massively grateful of my current and previous clubs support,
without their assistance my achievement would not be possible. A massive thank
you to everyone associated.”
Cardiff &
Met HC wish Jacob the very best of luck in the Sultan of Johor Cup, keeping a
close eye on results, where they will aim to better their 4th place
finish of 2016.
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