TWO friends from Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls have earned call-ups to the Wales Under-18 hockey squad – at just 16 years old.

Amy Whittle and Mary Racz were thrilled to receive the news following a selection camp in Cardiff.

The pupils, who have played for Gwent Hockey Club for around five years, will now represent their country in matches against Switzerland and Scotland next month.

Whittle, who plays centre forward, said: “I was so relieved when the email arrived. It would have been awful if only one of us got picked.”

As well as training three times a week, the dedicated girls play matches at weekends with the club.

They are looking forward to competing in the finals of the Welsh Cup against Swansea on May 6.

The duo share the same dream of one day competing in the Olympic Games.

“Watching the GB women’s team win at the Olympics (in Rio) was really inspirational,” added Gwent goalkeeper Racz. “That’s literally our life, working towards getting there.”

Being part of a tight-knit team, getting plenty of exercise, and learning good time management are just some of the benefits the girls gain from playing hockey.

Whittle said: “I think sport really helps with GCSEs too because we have to commit to schoolwork at certain times when we’re not training.

“My mum always says she’s happy I’m growing up doing something I love outside and I’m not at home wasting time at the weekends.

“Playing sport teaches you resilience too – if you don’t make the cut, you don’t make the cut.”

Dr Caroline Pascoe, headmistress at the girls’ school, congratulated the pair on their success.

“I think Amy and Mary have proved that it’s important to have a work/life balance, even at an important time of year with exams approaching,” she said.

“They are great role models and we are very proud of their achievements.”