What's Happened So Far.....


May 2-4 2009 - I played in the annual Inter-Conference Tournament in Hull for Under-13 South East (which is my region). I was asked to stay behind when the tournament finished. I was told that I had been picked for the School of Excellence. This is the training camp for the England U14 team for the next season.


July 12-17 - School of Excellence, Hull. We train twice a day at Hull ice rink and stay at Bishop Burton College in Beverley. Takes ages to get in every morning through the traffic! I miss one session because I sprain my hand, but plenty of ice and it's ok in the morning.

At the end of the week there is a demonstration game which the parents are allowed in to. I score three goals - should help in my selection I hope! There are 30 players at the School and 17 places to fill.


July 20 - letter arrives. I've been picked!!


September 18 - Friday night training in Sheffield. I am very nervous (even though I know all the other players and the coaches). Settle down once we're on the ice.


October 30 - another Friday night training session at Sheffield. We get to try on our new England shirts to make sure they fit. They look good, but nobody has a camera with them to take any photos!


November 13 - Friday night in Sheffield again! We get the final details for the Canada tournament. We have to be at the Heathrow Terminal 5 Meeting Point at 9.30 in the morning on Boxing Day! (Not so bad if you live in Chelmsford, hard work if you play for Whitley Bay!).

The letter says' England team tracksuits must be worn. No fancy hats. No flip-flops'


November 20 - Friday night in Romford this time. We have a friendly game against South-East U15s. We (England U14) win 5-3. I score one.


December 3 - When we get to Canada we will be billeted in pairs with Canadian families. I will be billeted with Josh Condren - he's a friend of mine and he plays at Guildford.


December 5 - I play for Chelmsford at Guildford. Josh is on the other side. I try to run him out the game!