THE Zimbabwe Under-21 women’s hockey team is appealing for support from the corporate world and individuals as they prepare for the 2025 Hockey Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile, from December 1–13.
This will be the team’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and sixth overall, following their third-place finish at the Junior Africa Cup held in Namibia in April.
“We are reaching out to corporates or individuals who would be generous enough to sponsor the team, not just for travel, but also for kit, equipment and training costs,” coach Brad Heur told NewsDay Sport.
“At the moment, preparations are going well, but we are really struggling for money. We are currently asking the players to pay for their own way to Chile, which is around US$10 000 per player.
“As the team prepares to embark on this significant journey, we are really hoping that someone will come through and give us some funding, especially for the flights and accommodation.”
Heur added that the team has entered a league and organised practice matches and a training camp.
Players are also actively participating in their respective leagues and university teams.
The biennial women’s under-21 field hockey World Championship is organised by the International Hockey Federation.
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Heur stressed the importance of the tournament.
“The World Cup is important for Zimbabwe hockey and Zimbabwe as a whole because it’s a chance to showcase the abilities and the hard work that the team has put in.”
For the first time, a total of 24 teams will take part in the Junior World Cup, an increase from the usual 16.
The teams featuring at the tournament include hosts Chile, along with Argentina, the United States, Uruguay, Canada, Austria, Belgium, England, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Wales, Scotland, India, China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Namibia, and South Africa.
Zimbabwe are in Group B along with Argentina, Belgium and Wales.
