BASINGSTOKE’S Natalie Aldridge has been appointed assistant coach of Great Britain under-18 women’s side.

Aldridge will work along side current head coach Sean Alderson and assistant coach Tim Healand.

The 23-year-old began her playing career in 1995 at Basingstoke, before moving to Ladies Premier League side the Bracknell Queen Bees.

At the age of 17 she moved to Canada to attend The Hill Academy in Toronto to concentrate on hockey and further education.

Aldridge has also represented GB Women, winning a gold medal in her first year on the national squad.

Since a move into coaching, she has been head coach of the Basingstoke under-16 side and the Bracknell under-16 girls.

Aldridge said: “I have had great mentor coaches at both clubs. Graham Watt and Paul Burton have both developed hockey in this country over the years and I can’t thank them enough for what they have passed on to me.

“My main aim is to develop women’s hockey in this country, along with other coaches. I am very honoured and thankful to be given this position.”

She added: “I think the under-18 team has a bundle of talent and they have had a great opportunity given to them over the last two years by Ice Hockey UK (IHUK), Sean and Tim. They have excelled and proved that they can compete.

“There is some exciting talent out there and I am very excited to help progress that into a force that will compete with the top teams.

“I am looking forward to working with Sean and Tim as they have worked hard over the years to develop the women’s game and it can only progress further.

“This is a very exciting time for hockey in this country as a whole. I can’t wait to get involved and cannot thank IHUK enough for this opportunity.”

Andy French, general secretary of IHUK, said: “It is great to have Natalie on board in the women’s set-up. She gained fantastic experience in Canada and no doubt that can be put to great use in her new role.

“She gave a fantastic presentation and it is clear she will be great for the women’s side.”