Uru Sports World Team to Compete in Tokyo

DENVER, Feb. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Uru Sports, the world's leading international field hockey recruitment platform, is taking a team of 16 elite female athletes to compete in the Gryphon Tokyo Cup in Japan March 1-3, 2019. The Uru Sports World Team will be one of four female teams competing for the first time at the international field hockey competition. "Playing alongside women from all over the world is what excites me most about this opportunity," said the team's co-coach and South African international star, Marcelle Keet. "This is the experience of a lifetime, not only from a competitive standpoint, but also because of the diversity represented on our team."

Over 400 women from 20 countries applied to join the team through Uru's recruitment platform in January. Similar to Uru's current university and club recruitment process, team members were selected based off their Athlete Profiles. "The players' resumes and personalities shown through their profiles, which was step one in the selection process," said recruitment lead Naomi Evans. The top 16 candidates were selected to participate in the Gryphon Tokyo Cup this March.

"I'm so excited to visit Tokyo, meet new friends, experience a different culture, and of course play some outstanding hockey," said THC Hurley player and Netherlands native Wendela van Dedem. Other team members include Pakistan's National Goalkeeper Rushna Khan, All-American Ally Hammel, Australian field hockey star Naomi Evans, and others from Argentina, South Africa and Japan.

With the motto of "no borders, just sports," Uru is creating cross-cultural opportunities for field hockey athletes worldwide through events like the Gryphon Tokyo Cup. "It's incredible to see how sport unites people from all over the world," said Uru Sports founder Ainsley McCallister. "We're excited to take part in this event and help bring international hockey attention to Tokyo leading up to the 2020 Olympics."

Gryphon invited Uru Sports to join the 2019 tournament based on the elite level of players using the recruitment platform and its international network. "We're thrilled to have the Uru Sports Team playing in this year's tournament," said Gryphon Marketing Director Lucas Sevestre. "Field hockey brings people from all over the world together, and this team is a perfect representation of that. We're looking forward to seeing everyone on the field in March."

Participants benefit not only from the competitive level of play, but also from the exposure to other cultures and communities through the competition. "Many people want to experience the world through hockey but aren't able to commit to a six-month season abroad like other Uru athletes," said Naomi Evans, former Hockeyroo and co-coach of the Uru World Team. "This tournament opens doors for athletes to get the global hockey experience and build international community in a short window of time."

About GRYPHON
Since its origin in 1983, Gryphon has been influential in the progression of stick manufacturing. Fast-forward over 30 years and the brand is still pushing the limits in a dynamic global market, proudly displaying its Australian heritage. Find out more information on www.gryphonhockey.com

About Uru Sports
Based in Denver, CO, Uru Sports is the world's first and largest connection platform for the sport of field hockey. With users in over 30 countries worldwide, Uru helps players and coaches reach new opportunities overseas. Part transfer market, part social network, part travel engine, Uru connects field hockey players, coaches, and teams around the world for a better playing and recruitment experience for all. For more information, visit www.urusports.co.

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SOURCE Uru Sports