A YOUNG athlete is proving to be on the ball after being selected to play in an Asian international.
Barnard Castle School girl Ella Bowen will join a 14-strong squad in a Far East tournament in Singapore in November.
The 10-day competition will pit Ella and her Northumbria University teammates against the best platers from Australia, New Zealand and Japan, in a northern versus southern hemisphere trial of skills.
The 14-year-old, of Durham City, plays goal attack for Barnard Castle School and goal defence for Hartlepool-based Oaksway, one of the best clubs in the region.
The Year 9 student also plays for South Durham and Cleveland U16s and is a member of Northumbria’s Future Squad.
“I’m just so excited,” she said. “Going to Singapore will be an incredible experience and I can’t wait to see how teams from the other side of the globe play the game.”
Ella trains and plays four times a week, using the sport to keep fit and make friends. Her dream is to play for England and next year she will compete in the nationals where top coaches spot the best talent.
“My hope is to be spotted and to secure a place representing my country,” she said.
Barnard Castle School headmaster Alan Stevens said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Ella has been selected. Sport hones the body and sharpens the mind and this tournament will also offer Ella the chance to broaden her horizons through global travel.”
