Keiran’s flying high following England call

The 10-year-old, who plays roller hockey for Spen Valley Flyers at Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre, will fly to Portugal on Monday with the England team and spend six days there.

Every day the England team will have two training sessions which last up to three hours and then they will play a match each night against a different Portugese team.

It will be a gruelling week for the young player but he is up for the challenge.

Keiran said: “I am really excited and can’t wait for next Monday. I am nervous as well but I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

It is a second chance for the youngster as he explained: “I was supposed to go to Portugal last year but the Spen Valley Flyers had a tournament and I didn’t want to let them down. So I chose not to go. I’m just glad I’ve got another opportunity.”

Keiran has been playing roller hockey since he was five years old and is the captain of the Spen Valley Flyers Under-11s and Under-13s teams while he also plays for the Under-15s.

Keiran is the league’s current top scorer in the Under-11 age group.

The trip to Portugal marks a busy time for Kieran. Last year he was also chosen to captain the Under-11s Northern Counties team in the regional competition and they finished second.

His mum Jeanette said: “We are really proud of Keiran and all he has achieved in the sport so far.

“Kirklees Council gave us a grant of £250 which has helped, but we have had to fund the rest of the trip ourselves. The club has written to lots of companies for sponsorship but have had no luck so far.”