Watton plays starring role for England

The campaign promotes this summer’s Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup 2018 and celebrates the importance of supportive role models in achieving sporting success.

Watton began playing hockey at the age of five having been encouraged to give the sport a try by her mum, herself a former hockey player. It wasn’t just Ellie’s mum who was an avid hockey fan, though, as Ellie’s brother, sister and dad also played.

Her parents have been with her every step of the way and are no strangers to standing on the sidelines, completing three-hour round trips to training and encouraging their daughter.

Watton’s mum has even coached her county hockey team and her dad took up umpiring. They were rewarded for all their time and efforts in helping Ellie when they saw her win silver with Team England at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“Hockey was an activity that we as a family were passionate about, so we never had far to look for support, whether that was our parents standing on the sideline or driving us to and from games,” said Ellie.

“My parents are the reason I have the opportunity to play the sport I love as my job and I can’t thank them enough. My mum and dad have always been there for me, through thick and thin.”