More young talent highlighted as Horsham’s Set4Success sparkles

The scheme, a partnership between The Rotary Club of Horsham, Horsham District Council, local businesses and Horsham District Schools, recognises young sporting talent in the Horsham District, and to date has handed out 41 awards to help give a leg-up to those with national or international sporting ambition. And with applications closing on April 15 for the latest round of awards, in June, the achievements of those who have received awards in the last two years have been highlighted.

Rugby union has been one of the most successful sports to benefit from Set4Success (S4S) on a local level, with Finlay Hillicks, Sean Richardson and Charlie Piper representing Harlequins under-18s against Wasps. Finlay also represents London and the South East in Divisional matches, and will be going to Bath University where he has been offered places in their first and second team squads.

Caitlin Ward, another S4S rugby winner, was selected last autumn to play for the Surrey County under-18 squad and became team captain. She has recently been selected for the London and South East 2013 squad.

Young cricketers have also achieved notable success, with Barns Green’s Tom Haynes voted the Sussex Under-14 player of the year, plus playing for East Grinstead under-18s and under-21s. Meanwhile, Tara Norris joined the England Cricket U15 development squad and has been receiving coaching at Loughborough University since January.

In golf, Forest Boys School pupil Marco Penge was among the recipients of an award - which offers financial hel, free use of local DC Leisure facilities and the opportunity to share experiences with peers - last year, and has broken into the England under-18 squad at the age of 14.

Marco, playing off a +1.5handicap, also finished fourth at last week’s Bernard Darwin Salver, the South of England Youth Championship, at Rye GC.

His mum Marie said: “The money they have given is great, it has helped go towards his coaching, and everything helps. The scheme gives young sportspeople like Marco good recognition, and raises awareness of the Rotary Club.”

Other notable recipients include Haylee Miller, who while still playing for Horsham Hawks and Holbrook Allstars mixed basketball teams, has joined the Worthing Thunder under-16 Girls National League Team. Haylee was selected to represent the South East in a Regional Tournament last autumn and has been selected for the England Basketball programme.

In karate, Ryan Morter captained England in the Severn Challenge, and in water polo Hannah Pratchett has been selected to be part of the National Talent Squad.

Meanwhile, Kate Small has qualified to compete in the 2013 British Trampoline Championships, and Jasmine Rushin played in the under-13 Great Britain European Softball Championships in Italy where she won the award for the tournament’s Top Fielder, in addition to winning selection to the GB under-16 squad.

The latest awards, in February, were handed to Jocelyn Hunt (gymnastics), Natalie Taylor (football) and Erin Marshall (hockey) plus second awards to Harry Harrod (gymnastics) Haynes (cricket), and brings the total sports recognised to 21.