Year 10 Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) student Charlie Powell has been selected to represent his country in an international ice hockey tournament this month.
Charlie, 15, will travel to Tilburg, in the Netherlands, to play for the England Under 15s in the competition.
The weekend-long tournament at the home of the Tilburg Trappers will see countries from across Europe competing across 12 games.
It will be the first time Charlie, who is studying Engineering, Design and Photography at Ron Dearing UTC, has travelled abroad to compete.
He has played for the youth teams at Kingston Sharks since he first took up the sport at the age of six and says he can’t wait to represent his country in the Netherlands.
Charlie, who plays right ring, was selected following trials in Sheffield.
“I’m really excited,” he said. “I’m a little nervous too, but I’m sure I’ll enjoy it when I’m out there.
“I’m proud to have been selected to play for my country – it’s a great achievement for everyone in the team.
“The hours training are long and hard but I’m dedicated to both ice hockey and my studies.
“Everyone at Ron Dearing is so supportive. They treat you like an adult and really want to see you succeed.”
Charlie said he enjoys the pace of the game, which he first discovered when his parents took him ice skating when he was little.
“I just love it,” he said. “It’s really fast-paced. With other sports, you can have strengths and weaknesses, but in ice hockey you have to be able to do it all. You have to be quick, you have to be strong and you have to think all the time.
“I’d love to be able to carry on as I am and eventually move up to the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).”
Charlie trains for 10 hours every week, which he juggles with his 40-hour school week.
Natasha Whitehead, Attendance Manager and key member of the Student Support Team at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “We’re all so proud of Charlie. He trains every night of the week but he’s always at school on time, getting on with his work.
“He’s got a lot going on, especially after now being selected for England, but he manages it all and he’s doing so well.
“Charlie’s really conscientious and makes sure he doesn’t fall behind with his studies, even though he puts so much into his ice hockey. He’s a role model for other students at the school.
“Everyone at Ron Dearing is wishing him the best of luck in the tournament.”