Phoebe Richards of Knighton returned from Italy having helped ensure Wales retain their status in the B group of European nations at the Women’s Euro Hockey under-21 tournament held near Turin.
Having played in games against Ukraine, Russia, Italy and Azerbaijan, 17-year-old Phoebe scored in a 4-2 victory over Austria to ensure Wales retained their status for another two years.
Phoebe who now plays her club hockey for Whitchurch, near Cardiff, also recently played for Wales under-18s in the home nations tournament held in Cork in the Republic of Ireland.
The Celtic Cup for Wales at u-21 level, held in Cookstown, Northern Ireland was also on her agenda and she will finish the summer representing Wales at u-18 level at the Sainsbury UK Schools Games in Gateshead next week.
Phoebe, who attends Hereford Sixth Form College, had already been in Italy this year representing the England Women’s football team in the UEFA European Women’s u-17 2009/10 Championship.
Held in Perugia over two weeks in mid April, England lost out to Holland in qualifying for the last four in Europe which in turn would have meant qualification for the women’s u-17 World Cup to be held in Barbados during September.
Phoebe, who began her football career with Ludlow Girls at u-12 level, has subsequently played for Wolverhampton Wanderers women and is now playing for women’s premiership side Birmingham City.