USA and Canada have been invited to the Men’s Junior World Cup, while Argentina and Ireland to the women’s junior showpiece.
The withdrawal of Australia and New Zealand opened up two spaces at the competitions, with Bhubaneswar, Odisha announced as host for the men’s World Cup between Nov 24-Dec 5.
Hockey Ireland will travel to Potchefstroom, South Africa for the women’s event from Dec 5-16.
It means the Junior Green Army will feature in the women’s competition for the first time and Irish under-21 head coach Dave Passmore says it offers a huge opportunity for this current crop of players.
“Taking part in a global competition of this stature is massive for Ireland and will offer an amazing environment for our young athletes to grow and develop,” said Passmore.
Ireland initially finished just outside the qualification places at the 2019 EuroHockey Junior Championships in Valencia, ending seventh when six European spots were on offer.
Most of the under-21 squad are currently working with Sean Dancer’s senior international team on Mondays and Tuesdays who are in preparation mode for their own World Cup qualifiers in October.
England have yet to confirm their participation in the events.
