GB call-up for young water polo ace

1066 SWIMMERS' Alan Benton has been chosen for training with the Team GB academy water polo squad.

The 13-year-old William Parker Sports College student (pictured above, right) has just commenced the Friday evening sessions at the regional training centre, Crystal Palace.

Mother Carole said: "He broke his arm last year and it put him out for about four months but he's just really stepped up this year. It's just really, really hard work but he's really up for it and he's really enjoying it."

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Alan, who was also been involved with the Sussex and Southern Counties set-ups, impressed selectors sufficiently during trials held at the same venue in the first week of October. The 1991 (birth year) squad, which will be reviewed on a regular basis, consists of around 20 members and is one of five from the various regions of the country. The 100 or so trainers will be whittled down to a fifth of that figure by the European Junior Championships in two years time.

Alan, who has been playing the sport for around four years, is also about to win the Sussex League as part of the Hailsham Youth Water Polo Club. Elder brother Phil, from the 1989 age group, has played for Sussex at under-16 and under-19 level.