Thomas and MacKenzie join GB Hockey centralised programme

Betsan Thomas and Ellie MacKenzie have been named as part of the GB Hockey programme and will train alongside the wider squad at Bisham Abbey Sports Centre.

Their selection underlines their development, and both players will now access the daily training environment designed to support athletes targeting senior international success.

Thomas has continued to build momentum through strong performances at international and pathway level. She is a skilled forward and midfielder that made her debut for Wales in 2023 and had earnt 28 caps for her country.

She was named player of the tournament at the EuroHockey Championships II in 2025. She helped the team win the silver medal and earn promotion to the topflight for the first time in 24 years. She also captained the Welsh team at the Junior World Cup in 2025.

Domestically, Thomas plays for Wimbledon HC after joining from the University of Birmingham.

MacKenzie joins the programme after impressing across Home Nation and GB development environments. She made her Scotland debut in 2024 and has earnt 32 caps for the home nation as a forward.

Her first major tournament debut came in 2025 when she was selected to play at the FIH Nations Cup in Santiago before competing at the European Championships that summer. Most recently she represented Scotland at the 2026 World Cup.

MacKenzie plays for Surbiton hockey club in the league and was part of the squad that won the Premier Division title in 2025/26.

Bobby Crutchley, GB Hockey Performance Director, said: "We are delighted to welcome Betsan and Ellie into the GB Hockey centralised programme. Both players have shown great potential through their performances for Wales and Scotland, earning this opportunity to take the next step in their development.

“We are excited to support them as they join the GB environment, continue their growth as athletes, and pursue their ambitions on the international stage."

MacKenzie said: “The last couple of years in a Scotland shirt have been really special, and qualifying for and playing in our first World Cup in 24 years is something I’m very proud of. I’m excited to take the next step, keep learning from the players around me, and play my part in GB’s journey to LA 2028 and beyond.”

Thomas commented: “I feel incredibly honoured and proud to be selected for the GB programme. I’m looking forward to representing Great Britain on a global stage and to be a part of an extremely talented squad that has an exciting future. Representing Great Britain and Wales has and will be my greatest honour.”