Perthshire hockey player Lexie Macmillan is targeting further Scotland representation after her latest positive experience.
The 18-year-old, from Perth, is not long back from pulling on the national colours in the Belgian city of Leuven.
She was representing the Scotland Aspiring Under-19s squad and took to the pitch against some of Europe’s top players.
Macmillan, who attends Kilgraston School, told the PA: “Competing with the Scotland Aspiring Under 19s squad in the recent Belgium 4 Nations tournament was a brilliant experience.
“We played against Germany, Spain and Belgium which were tough matches but I gained a lot of experience.
“It was such a positive learning experience to play teams at this level as they push my skills and fitness to the maximum and allow me to feel the pressure in order to improve my game further.
“These matches are being used to prepare us for the U18 European Championships in Germany this July which I hope to be selected for.”
While Macmillan has become no stranger to representing her country, the feeling of pride does not fade with every trip.
She said: “I feel such pride in putting on my Scotland strip and representing my country each time I play.
“I have now gained 21 caps for Scotland and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to play at such a high standard.”
Playing and developing with Perthshire Hockey Club has been greatly beneficial for Macmillan’s development in the sport.
“Coming through the ranks at Perthshire Hockey Club made me more eager to do well and progress my game,” she revealed.
“I have really enjoyed my five years at Perthshire Hockey Club and I feel I have developed so much throughout my time there.
“It is a lovely, friendly club to play at and it has been an influential part of my hockey journey so far.
“My school, Kilgraston, has also helped in my hockey development. Being a sports scholar I get sessions with coach David Stott focusing on technical skills and development which has been hugely beneficial.
“When I was 16 I was put forward to attend a regional trial and then joined the Scottish Hockey BRAVE Academy programme.
“I was then selected to play for the Scotland Aspiring Under 17 squad in 2021 where I gained my first cap playing England.”
Macmillan, a centre forward, hopes to continue her development and one day make the step to represent Scotland at senior level.
“I have now been playing for Scotland for three years and I would like to eventually get into the women’s Scotland team and continue my hockey journey as far as it will take me,” she said.
“I am really grateful to all of the people who have helped me along the way so far, including my coaches, my sponsor Grays and Perth and Kinross Sports Council who kindly gave me a grant to help with expenses.”
