We are delighted that David has joined our BRIT Ambassador family.
David is the most capped goalkeeper in Welsh history. He co-captained Wales for four years and played at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“Having battled with depression, I know first-hand how tough living life with mental health challenges can be. I am delighted to be joining the BRIT Ambassador family to support and improve young adult mental and fitness throughout the UK.
Many young adults and students live with mental health difficulties and, in light of the impact of COVID-19 that is making life even harder, we must do all we can to ensure that every student who needs help has access to it. BRIT is setting an inspiring example of collaboration within the charity sector and this is such a positive and refreshing approach. For 2021, they have partnered with PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide, Nightline Association, Student Minds and the Charlie Waller Trust. This means that all donations raised by the BRIT 2021 Challenge will be shared equally between five mental health charities who support students and young adults. BRIT are also signposting young adults and students to Samaritans and Shout.
I am delighted that the BRIT 2021 Challenge is inclusive and enables students and staff of all abilities to take part. This is a fantastic opportunity and I hope every Welsh university, college and student union enters teams in the BRIT 2021 Challenge and encourages their students and staff to take part; at home or on campus.
Olympians, Paralympians and athletes are being invited to join the BRIT Ambassador family so young adults and students at every university and college are inspired to take part in the BRIT 2021 Challenge. I urge Welsh sport personalities to unite and join the BRIT Ambassador family so that every Welsh university and college receives support and encouragement as they take on the BRIT 2021 Challenge.
I look forward to supporting students and staff at Birmingham University, as they take on their BRIT 2021 Challenge and will also do everything I can to encourage Welsh universities and colleges to embrace the BRIT 2021 Challenge and unite in support of young adult mental health.”
David represented Wales from the age of 14, playing in all junior sides. He made his Welsh debut in 2009 during the World Cup qualifying tournament in New Zealand.
Over the years, David played club hockey for Cannock, East Grinstead and Surbiton in the Euro Hockey League. He also played professionally in both the Malaysian and Australian Hockey Leagues.
Between 2006 and 2010, David completed his Master’s Degree in International Business at the University of Birmingham.
David co-captained Wales for four years, competed in the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games, and was an integral part of Wales’ promotion to the top tier of European hockey in 2017.
In 2018, David announced his retirement from hockey; he is the most capped goalkeeper In Welsh history, amassing 106 outdoor and 19 indoor caps.
In 2018, David bravely spoke to the BBC about battling mental health difficulties; struggles that made him step away from international hockey altogether. David was overwhelmed with the positive response from the public after sharing the challenges of living life with depression; a battle he has thankfully worked through.
To find out more about Welsh hockey, please visit the Hockey Wales website.