Lydia invited to England camp

Based in Milton Keynes, the camp is specifically for doubles and mixed training, which will be overseen by some of the top coaches in the country. The Programme, meanwhile, identifies Powell as an official part of the national set-up.

Only four youth players in the country are granted this position, and it means she’ll be supported and funded by Badminton England as she tours Europe next year. Powell is one of just two under-18s to receive an invite to the training camp; the other being her regular doubles partner Jess Hopton.

The 17 year-old said: “The idea is for the camp to give me the experience and an insight into what being a full-time athlete would be like and what would be expected of me by my coaches. I’ve been hoping for this call-up and I’m really looking forward to it.”

The training camp - which will run from July 8-12 with a fitness test beforehand - is another positive step for Powell as she bids to go into full-time senior training. Powell has also been asked to attend an England under-19 training camp during the first week of August.

The Parkwood 6th Form student has enjoyed an extremely successful 2012/13 season. Highlights included representing England at the U17 Six Nations event in Holland and winning medals at the U17 English National Championships.