Grace Balsdon credits her Canterbury upbringing for the success she’s enjoyed in hockey after being named in England’s Commonwealth Games squad.

Balsdon came through the ranks at her local club, growing up around star names such as Mel Clewlow and Jen Wilson, to become an established international defender.

The 29-year-old is looking forward to her second Commonwealth Games - she won bronze in Australia four years ago - following this week’s squad announcement.

She’s also tasted Olympic success, scoring the winner as Great Britain beat India 4-3 in Tokyo last summer in a thrilling bronze-medal match.

Balsdon plays for Hampstead & Westminster these days but she hasn’t forgotten her Canterbury roots as she gears up for this summer’s gold-medal bid on home soil in Birmingham.

She said: “I valued all the experiences I had when I was at Canterbury, playing with some great players, Mel Clewlow, Nat Seymour, Cathy Gilliat-Smith, Jen Wilson.

“Those are all players in their prime who I grew up with and inspired me to be in the position I’m fortunate to be in now.

“I remember watching Jen and Mel in the Beijing Olympics, thinking, ‘One day I really wish that was me’.

“I was really fortunate to have those role models.

“They helped my drive and helped me create my passion for what I wanted to be doing with my development.

“It all stems from being and playing in Canterbury.

“I’m very grateful for those experiences because I wouldn’t have been here today, where am I now.”

Balsdon, who made her international debut aged 20, earned her 50th England cap at the end of May.

She’s been a regular in the Pro League but the nerves were still there before the squad announcement, with nobody wanting to miss out on a home Games and the chance to inspire future generations.

“When there’s major selection coming up, you still get nervous, 100%,” said Balsdon.

“I don’t think that ever goes until you see your name on the actual list.

“I’m quite fortunate, I’m high up the alphabetical order, so I don’t have to scroll too far down!

“I think it’s a really special moment.

“It’s exciting to be part of another multi-sport event and being at home in Birmingham, a bit like London 2012, lots of young kids will watch it and be inspired and everyone will get behind Team England.”

England will put their credentials to the test at the World Cup, which takes place in Spain and Holland, at the start of July.

Then it’s on to Birmingham, with England facing Ghana in their Pool A opener on July 30. They also take on Canada (July 31), India (August 2) and Wales (August 4) in the group stages.

With Commonwealth and Olympic bronze already in the bag, Balsdon is aiming high.

“Everyone would love to come away with a gold medal, that’s what everyone’s aspiring to,” she said.

“People always say you’ve got to get the processes right.

“We’ve got the World Cup between now and the Commonwealth Games, so hopefully, we can build and put in some good performances and do ourselves justice.

“That’s the way you win that gold and so if we focus on that and focus on getting better each game and playing to our potential, hopefully that medal will come.”

Major championships are a chance to make memories, and they don’t come any sweeter than Balsdon’s dramatic winner for Great Britain against India in Tokyo.

It came in an empty stadium, due to Covid restrictions, but there’ll be no such issues in Birmingham where England will be cheered on by passionate home support.

“I can still feel the emotion of that India game even now,” said Balsdon. “It’s nice to look back on and to score the winner was very special.

“I’ve prided myself on the work I’ve done with penalty corners, that’s a real strength of mine.

“In that moment, I could feel the energy behind me and I felt the team back me.

“The Commonwealth Games and the Olympics, they’re two standout memories for me.

“I don’t think you get that same energy when you play in other tournaments.

“There’s just something about being in a village, surrounded by all these talented and amazing sportsmen and women, you get swept up in it, which is a great feeling.

“I’m looking forward to having a competition with a home crowd, after Tokyo, when no one was allowed in.

“It’ll be great to experience a tournament again with people there, your friends and family.

“I think everyone will really value and enjoy those moments because they haven’t come around too often recently, so it’ll be even more special.”