Weston out to impress selectors at the School Games in London

Posted: Friday 4th May 2012 | 8:51

UP-and-coming hockey player Rebecca Weston is adamant she'll thrive under the pressure of the most important summer of her fledgling career as she begins a mini-Olympic adventure.

The chance to play for England at Old Loughtonians Hockey Club, situated a stone's throw away from the Olympic Park, beckons for Weston at the Sainsbury's School Games

Weston has played at international level for three years and is relishing the chance to turn out in front of squad officials, who are selecting those to step up to the under 21 outfit.

But, despite being highly regarded at Canterbury Hockey Club, the 18-year-old is keeping her feet firmly on the ground and plans to take her blossoming career one step at a time.

"This summer is going to be hugely important for me," said Weston. "Depending on how I perform at the School Games I have a chance of breaking into the under 21 squad.

"That has been a goal of mine for quite a long time. There will be people there looking to bring players up and so I know I have to perform well to give myself a chance.

"The step up from one level to the next is massive so I know exactly what I need to do and I tend to perform better when I am under pressure.

"I am hoping that I will be able to rise to the occasion and I think the Olympic feeling that is surrounding this whole competition will really inspire me to raise my game.

"Having both my parents there to watch me will also be a massive boost for me because I really love playing in front of them and doing them proud.

"To be based so near to the Olympic venue will be really amazing. I competed at the UK School Games last year but I think that aspect of it will make it twice as special this year.

"Last year was like a mini-Olympics anyway because we get an opening ceremony, so the venue aspect of it this year will add to that massively."

The Sainsbury's 2012 School Games is being held in the Olympic Park and other venues from 6-9 May 2012 with school-aged elite athletes competing across 12 sports. Visit www.2012schoolgames.com for more information.