11 February 2026

Not every student leaves school with a clear plan.

When Amy Partridge finished school, she didn’t have everything mapped out. What she did have was the willingness to keep moving forward. Not long after, she was representing Wales at U21 level at the Junior World Cup in Chile, stepping into a competition that brings together some of the best young players in the world.

It’s the kind of achievement that can easily look like the result of a carefully planned journey. But Amy tells a different story. “You do not need it all figured out,” she says. “The likelihood is, you will change your mind several times – and that’s okay.”

Rather than avoid uncertainty, she’s learned to work through it, and that approach has shaped what she’s done next.

A Journey Still Taking Shape

Looking back, there wasn’t a single moment where everything suddenly fell into place. Like many students, Amy knew she wanted to continue her education and eventually move on to university, but beyond that, her path remained open.

“I always knew I wanted to get my A-levels and at some point venture to university,” she says. “But my path beyond that is anything but decided, and that’s okay.”

It’s a position that feels increasingly familiar. With more choices available than ever – university, apprenticeships, internships, entrepreneurship – the idea of a single, fixed route to future employment or vocation is less fixed. For Amy, progress hasn’t come from having all the answers. It’s come from building experience, taking opportunities and learning what works along the way, even when it’s felt uncomfortable.

However, that mindset has given her space to grow – not just in what she’s doing, but in how she approaches it.

Building Something Over Time

That approach is perhaps clearest in her journey through hockey.

Her progression hasn’t been defined by one breakthrough moment, but by steady development. From the age of 13, Amy was already representing Wales at age-group level, gradually building experience, confidence and understanding of the game.

“From the age of 13, I’ve had the honour of wearing the Welsh badge on 40 occasions playing international matches for U16, U18 and U21 Wales teams,” she says. “Including captaining both the Wales U16 squad at a European competition and the U18s squad in a two match test series against England.”

Those experiences brought new challenges – learning to lead, adapting to higher levels of competition, and managing expectations, but they also laid the foundations for what came next.

That journey led her to the Junior U21 World Cup in Chile at just 17 years old, where she competed against some of the best young players in the world. For Amy, it meant time away from home, adapting to a new country and stepping into a high-performance environment where expectations were shared across the whole squad. She says of her experience:

“Although I have been lucky enough to play hockey across many countries in Europe, it was enthralling to play in Chile not only in another country, but on a separate continent in the southern hemisphere. That was the furthest I have been away from home to date!

It was also great to play against countries from all over the world with unique styles of play as opposed to the more familiar European style. Many of the teams had players that are already established in their countries’ full Senior team, had played in the Olympics and other Senior competitions, and many who are professional hockey players.

Wales on the other hand, mostly self-funds and this time we had a crowdfunder to reduce costs for our families to enable the squad to go to Chile. All the Wales U21 players and Senior Wales players are either employed or in full-time education alongside playing international hockey and club hockey which they have to pay to play. Hockey Wales and the individual players are constantly seeking sponsors and support to reduce this burden on players and help provide the squads with all they need to play at the highest level possible.”

Tournament hockey brings a different kind of pressure. With twenty-four teams competing in several matches in a short space of time against unfamiliar opposition, there is a need to perform consistently as part of a team – the demands are high. Wales opened their campaign with a 3-1 loss against eventual JWC bronze medallists Belgium and a 3-0 win over Zimbabwe. All matches were played at Estadio Nacional in Santiago and streamed live on Watch Hockey, with players being away for a total of nineteen days. Wales played three more matches losing two, but securing a 2-0 win over South Africa, testing both resilience and composure.

At the end of the tournament, the squad finished 14th. This was a very impressive result for a team ranked 20th in the world, reflecting the collective discipline and teamwork required to compete at an international level.

“It’s a privilege to compete at this level,” she says. “To represent Wales, alongside incredible players and coaches, is something I’m really proud of.”
Alongside her international commitments, Amy plays for Cardiff & Met Ladies 1st team, where the past season was particularly memorable. The team secured five titles out of five, including success in a European competition. Since January they have also gone on to retain the South Wales Indoor League and Welsh Indoor Cup and regained a place in the European Cup in 2027. Amy and the team also represented Wales at the Indoor Euros 2026 in Finland, winning gold and remaining unbeaten for the whole tournament.

What becomes clear is that none of this has come from having a perfectly mapped-out plan. It has come from showing up, putting in the work, and taking opportunities when they appear.

Ten days before she should have been playing for Wales U18 in the European Championship in 2023, Amy fractured her spine. It was a painful and disabling injury, with a long recovery ahead of her but she was determined to come back stronger. Not letting any setback, no matter how dramatic, stop her playing the sport she loves.

Growth Beyond the Classroom

It wasn’t just on the pitch that this mindset developed.

During her time at school, some of the most important moments came from unexpected places. One of her favourite subjects, Photography, wasn’t something she initially felt strongly drawn to. Instead, it was a practical choice – a way to balance her GCSE options alongside Business, Geography and P.E.

“To my own surprise, Photography was certainly my most favoured subject,” she says.

Over time, it became something more, offering a different kind of challenge – one that encouraged experimentation, creativity and stepping outside of her comfort zone.

“I have always adored exploring the deeper meanings behind creativity,” she explains. “The research and experimentation were things I really enjoyed.”

Even the more uncomfortable moments, like being in front of the camera rather than behind it, played a part.

“I’m thankful to my friends who either saw the vision – or had a laugh if they didn’t,” she adds.

Elsewhere, opportunities such as The Brilliant Club introduced her to new ideas and perspectives, encouraging open discussion and critical thinking.

These experiences may not always stand out at the time, but they can help shape confidence and mindset in lasting ways. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from the obvious places. Sometimes it comes from the things you didn’t expect to matter as much as they do.

The People Around You

If there is one thing Amy is certain about, it’s the importance of the people around you.

“Without a doubt, having a supportive group of friends is paramount,” she says. “Not only for surviving school, but thriving in it.”

It’s a simple point, but an important one. Behind every achievement is a network of support – friends, teammates, family – all contributing in ways that aren’t always visible. Those relationships provide stability, encouragement and, at times, perspective.

Looking back, her advice to her younger self reflects that understanding.

“It gets harder, so count yourself lucky!” she says. “But seriously, don’t take things too seriously and make the most of how much time you get with your friends.”

There’s a sense, here, of balance and of recognising both the challenges and the value of the experience as a whole.

What Comes Next

Despite everything she has achieved so far, Amy doesn’t present her journey as complete. Her next steps are still taking shape and she’s comfortable with that.

“Be proactive and use the time you have to research,” she says. “Even if all you do is rule out options, it’s still a step forward.”

It’s a perspective that shifts the focus away from needing certainty, and towards making progress. Small steps, even uncertain ones, still move you forward.

No Perfect Plan Required

Following her experience that led her to the Junior World Cup in Chile, Amy’s story doesn’t follow a straight line. There’s no single turning point, no moment where everything suddenly made sense. Instead, it’s a series of decisions, experiences and opportunities that gradually build into something bigger.

She didn’t leave school with everything figured out and she still doesn’t claim to. But step by step, she’s building something meaningful. Just consistent effort, a willingness to step into new environments, even when they feel unfamiliar, and the confidence to keep moving forward.