Kirkby Lonsdale hockey player represents Great Britain

Fiona Crackles, 20, featured in Great Britain's 1-1 draw with world number one, The Netherlands, in the FIH Hockey Pro League on 27th October.

Speaking about her international bow, Crackles revealed that it still has not sunk in.

She said: "It was a dream of mine, it is quite ridiculous that it became a reality really.

"It still doesn’t really feel like it happened.

"Going through the age groups and starting hockey as a junior it is something that you hope it would happen, but you kind of think it wont happen to you.

"So when that opportunity came about especially in these times when people aren’t even playing their sports, I was very grateful to be asked with the whole circumstances of everything.

After the game, Crackles also highlighted how relieved she felt.

She said:" I was extremely nervous before the game.

"I was a bit all over the place really"

"I had already played The Netherlands at age group level, but I guess nothing really compares to the pace that the senior level is played at.

"Once I got onto the pitch and had a touch of the ball, I was excited to just get stuck in really.

"It was such a fast game and an amazing feeling when the whistle went.

"It was a feeling of relief."

Currently in her second year at Durham University, Crackles represents the university in the Women's England Hockey League Division One North.

Having played the sport since a young age, Crackles has gone on to represent Great Britain at various age groups.

Following in the footsteps of her two brothers, the former Queen Elizabeth School pupil underlined their impact on her hockey career.

Crackles explained: "I started at a really young age.

"My first hockey experiences were my brothers, playing for Kirkby Lonsdale and my mum umpiring so there was no other option but to go down to the pitch.

"When I started at Kirkby Lonsdale a lot of my friends joined too and it was a great environment to be a part of and it was brilliant that all my friends played."