A former Monmouth student is proving that hard work and dedication pays off after being selected for an international sporting competition in Canada which opens next week.

Madison Jones cut her sporting teeth at Monmouth School for Girls and will be captaining Wales at the 2019 World Lacrosse Under-19s Women’s Championships which start on Thursday 1st August.

Madison will be joined in the Wales team by friend and current pupil, Elinor, who was named Sportswoman of the Year at Monmouth School for Girls in April.

It is a wonderful opportunity for both players and one which 19-year-old Madison, a former sports scholar and first-team lacrosse captain at Monmouth, is looking forward to immensely.

“Madi has been training hard for the competition and told me that she didn’t know where the last four years have gone,” said Madison’s mum, Vanessa Jones.

“Madi has been representing Wales for a while now but she can’t believe that it is now time for this major competition to begin.”

Wales will be keen to give a good account of themselves in the world event, which is taking place in Peterborough, Canada.

A record number of 22 nations will be battling it out with Canada determined to defend the crown they won in 2015.

Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in North America, while the USA and Australia are also regarded as big-hitters in the competition.

Madison has just finished her first year at the University of Bath, studying Sports Science and playing lacrosse for the first team, after achieving two As and a C in her A levels at Monmouth.

She is no stranger to top level completion after helping Wales to an impressive third-placed finish at the inaugural European Women’s Under-20s Championships in Poland last summer.

Madison starred for Wales Under-18s in the event, organised by Poland Lacrosse Foundation, and was awarded the Best Midfielder accolade.

“We are very proud of Madi’s achievements in lacrosse,” said mum, Vanessa.

“Whether it’s sport or her studies – Madi is very determined and hard working.

“She joined Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools in Year 3 and enjoyed lots of activities from modern and tap dancing to acting and singing.

“Madi gives her all in everything that she does and we will be wishing Wales the very best of luck in the world championships.”