Two players from Maidstone Hockey Club have been selected to play for their national over-35s team in the Masters World Cup.

Lizze McClintock and Louise Cassey applied after a call from England Hockey for mature players to try out for the England Masters squad.

After an intensive selection process both were chosen and are training for matches in Barcelona this summer.

It's the culmination of a lifelong love of hockey but without the opportunity to play at the highest level.

Cassey said: "I didn't have a lot of success in trials as a junior so to be able to represent England at this stage is really exciting.

"The training and fitness schedule for the summer is really tough but I can't wait to get out there and get started in the tournament."

McClintock said: "I decided to try out with a little feeling of regret that I’d not had the chance to play for my country.

"It feels weird but amazing to achieve this now – I hope I get to sing the national anthem!"

The pair are training at weekends and take part in the World Cup at the end of July.

Friends and family are planning to travel to Spain to support them in games against Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Ghana, Sri Lanka and USA.

The girls plan to set up a crowdfunding page to help support and sponsor their part in the tournament.