Lauren Penny

Slough HC Ladies striker Lauren Penny has received an unexpected Christmas present.

Reports on the form of South African-born Penny, 25, who has played for Slough for the past five seasons, reached her native country and she has been called up for a South Africa training camp starting next week.

The South African men’s and women’s teams had both qualified for the London Olympics after winning last year’s African qualifying tournaments but their Olympic Committee decided they would have to justify their places at a more demanding event.

So the women now have their sights set on an Olympic Qualifier in New Delhi next month when only the winner will book an Olympic berth.

Penny began playing competitive hockey at the age of 11 when she moved to Cape Town from Port Elizabeth and gained international honours at u14 and u16 levels.

Commenting on her call-up, Penny said: “Throughout my hockey playing career it has been a dream of mine to represent my country. Honestly, I had given up all hope of this ever happening as it just wasn’t feasible with my job and lifestyle since moving to London.

“I am very lucky to be given this opportunity. It really means the world to me and I will give it my best shot.”

Penny joins three of her Slough club-mates with Olympic hopes.

Ashleigh Ball and Nicola White are in the Great Britain Olympic squad while Hannah Bowe is hoping to make the Ireland squad for the Olympic Qualif- ier in Antwerp in March.