Surbiton Ladies captain Sarah Haycroft describes how missing out on the Commonwealth Games with England this summer has made her determined to win her place back for this month’s Champions Trophy in Argentina.

"The England women’s hockey team head to Argentina next month for a major competition, the Champions’ Trophy, and I am desperate to be on the plane.

“It is a tournament for the top eight teams in the world and playing in Argentina is a dream for any female hockey player. The stadiums are packed, the atmosphere electric and the standard of play is phenomenal.

“Argentina’s Luciana Aymar is one of the best female hockey players in the history of the game, winning the international player of the year a staggering eight times.

“That reason alone may explain why hockey is so huge in her country and the Champions Trophy is not a tournament you want to miss.

“It would fulfill one of my life-long ambitions if I was able to make it.

“One of the proudest moments of my career was gaining my first senior International cap January 2013.

“The other was winning a silver medal at the 2013 European Championships, losing the final to Germany on penalties – always the German’s on penalties.

“I earned two silver medals and a bronze in my first year of playing Senior International hockey, I couldn't have asked for a better start.

“However, such is sport, and nothing is easy, nor is it a given. I was subsequently not selected for the next three tournaments, which included the World Cup and Commonwealth Games.

“I was absolutely devastated and desperate to get back into the team. While the girls selected are away competing, the rest continue to train back at our base in Bisham Abbey.

“It was probably one of the worst periods of my time as an athlete, training at home while the team which I longed to be in competed at the highest level elsewhere.

“However we are all so dedicated and strive to be the best we can be, so I put the time towards developing parts of my game that other-wise might be get overlooked.

“If one part of my career has been full of struggles and disappointment, I have gained strength in other areas.

“While I was facing turbulence in the international scene I was having great joy at club level.

“I have always loved playing for Surbiton as it is such a special club, one which I am very proud to be a part of and where I have the honour of being ladies first team captain.

“There is a wonderful family feel about the club. The junior section is fantastic, with some of the most talented youngsters I've ever seen.

“The ladies first team had the most successful season in their history last season, winning both the Investec WHL Premier Division and the Investec Cup, and earning a place in the Euro Hockey League which takes place in Holland over Easter weekend next year.

“Our success was attributed to the great strength in depth we have as a squad, with each player having a role, be them internationals, experienced club players or youngsters still at school.

“The pressure is on us this season to deliver and with our strength in depth and support from the whole club I believe we have every chance of having another successful season."

* Investec, the specialist bank and asset manager, support women's hockey from grass roots level through to the national team – investec.co.uk/hockey or on Twitter @Investec