Investec is a specialist bank and asset management company and they came on board last August on a five-year deal to support the women's team.

Danson is in Rosario, Argentina, for the women's Champions Trophy and was part of the squad's recent success in the Four Nations tournament in Córdoba, where they finished runners up to South Korea, and credits Investec for their part in the impressive showing there.

"Investec have had a huge impact and I think that really showed during the tournament," Danson told insidethegames.

"It's the first time we've had a really brilliant sponsor, it has that real professional link attached and that's brilliant for us.

"Before Beijing we all had jobs.

"After we came together with the management, supported by GB hockey we wanted to go full time.

"Every team who came above us in Beijing were full-time and we didn't want to go to London just to compete – we want medals.

"Being supported by Investec has been absolutely huge, they're like your best friend as without them you couldn't do it – we can train as full time athletes every day.

"It's seen huge improvements and it's purely [a case of] contact time."


Investec are also involved with various football, hockey and rugby teams, as well as being a sponsor of English test cricket.

As part of their tie up with GB and English women's hockey, Investec are sponsoring the London Cup in Chiswick in June which, as the last competitive action the squad will get before the London 2012 Olympic Games, will serve as crucial preparation.

For now though, their sights are firmly set on the Champions Trophy, in which they begin on Saturday against Japan before facing the holders, Netherlands, and China.

Their performance in Córdoba was encouraging, with Britain beating eventual winners South Korea as well as defeating Argentina and New Zealand in the three games that preceded the final.

With 29 goals to her name for her country and more than 100 caps, Danson is one of the more experienced members of the squad and she believes that Britain can compete with Netherlands, Argentina and South Korea next week.

"Everything we do is about being the best, the best preparation and best in our sleep and nutrition and obviously in our game.

"If we want to win gold we have to beat these teams [Argentina and Holland] and we'll be going out with this mentality to be the best we possibly can be and hopefully it will be good enough on the day.

"In the Champions Trophy every game is huge, and I think Holland and South Korea are really strong.

"Holland will be a really tough game for us should we play them."


The Reading forward also refuses to think too far ahead to London 2012, insisting: "The only way you will win the gold in London is if you're the best now."

As well as the support of Investec, GB women's profile may be boosted with their games shown live from Argentina via the BBC by pressing the red button.

"Some people still think we play on grass so it will be amazing for people to see how much the game has changed.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for our sport and our team to really get the support that the team really needs."

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