AN ELLESMERE College student is set to join the country’s top young hockey players when he starts training with the England Hockey under-17s side.

Harry Lloyd-Brown is set to continue his goal-keeping training with the England side at the highly-acclaimed U17 Performance Centre in Manchester.

The Year 11 student, who currently plays first and second team hockey at his club in Chester, has earned a spot in the squad despite being just 15 years of age.

His high-level performances and quality at a young age has led to him being put on England’s Player Pathway Programme – a scheme which invites elite young players in the sport to realise their potential through a programme of training and competition.

The programme exposes young players like Harry to some of the highest-levels of coaching for young players in the country.

Last year, the U17 team was unbeaten in all games, and conquered many other national teams of a higher age.

Harry said he is now aiming to be selected for the Futures Cup squad for this summer; a competition which would place him against the best young players in the country.

Should he be selected, it would allow Harry to challenge a place in the U18 England Team at the end of the year.

Harry is determined to continuously better his performances to allow him to reach his potential.

He said: “I am more determined than ever to perform at my best, and I do as much as I can to be selected for the Pennine Puma’s team.

“I am very thankful to Mr. Taylor and all the other coaches that have been pushing me through the training, and motivating me to be the best keeper I can be.”

Harry also belongs to Ellesmere’s Sports Leaders programme, and helps coach the junior hockey players at the college by planning and preparing sessions, developing their communication skills and acting as a role model through the medium of sport.