A Newport boy has scooped a prestigious place on the England ice-hockey team for the second year running.
After fighting off stiff competition, 12-year-old James Owen-Jones stormed through difficult trials last May to scoop his place as their new goalkeeper.
The Oak Avenue resident said he was thrilled to be selected for the England under-14s team after last year’s success with the under013 squad.
Speaking this week, the Telford Venom goalie said: “I’m incredibly thrilled to have been chosen again this year because the competition was very tough.
“We did well last year when we went to Canada and we got into the second round.
“It was the first time we won the opening game since getting into that league in 2003. Then in a friendly game we beat the Italian team, who are five places above us.”
But the Adams’ Grammar School student is not out of the woods yet as he has to raise £3,000 before representing his country.
“I will begin training again in September and we fly out to Canada at Christmas to play in the Richard Bell Memorial International tournament in Toronto.
“Later, at Easter, we go to an International Tournament in Latvia.
“But I need support for it. The England training sessions take place all over the UK, often at unsociable hours in Nottingham, Sheffield, or Guilford; any time between 9pm - 1am.”
Having first donned a pair of skates at the age of three, James found himself first learning ice-hockey at the age of five.
The youngster said he would like to thank Newport Paper on Springfield Industrial Estate who supported him last year along with the Newport and Church Aston Scouts.
“I would also like to thank my parents for their continued support and hope that I can get some more sponsorship this year.”
Father Simon said the family were delighted by his son’s achievements.
He said: “I’m just so proud of him for achieving it again. He has put in a lot of hard work and effort.
“He puts in a lot of commitment and if anybody could sponsor him we would be very grateful.
“It’s an extremely expensive sport for the equipment and the travelling and he trains until the early hours.
“We’re all very proud of him, he deserves this.”
Anyone who would like to help support James in his sport can contact his mother Jayne on 07862 219873.
