Pupils handed England honours
Reporter: CHRIS LYNHAM
Date published: 01 June 2010
Photo: Vincent Brown
ENGLAND CALL-UP . . . Stefan Whaley and Jamal Braithwaite are going to Sweden in July for an international competition.
Dynamic duo’s meteoric rise to international scene
TWO talented teenagers have been chosen to represent England in handball less than 12 months after taking up the sport.
Royton and Crompton School pupils Stefan Whaley and Jamal Braithwaite, both 15, have made phenomenal progress in that time.
After catching the eye in performances for Greater Manchester in regional competitions, the dynamic duo were invited to England selection training camps.
Now, along with fellow county player James Higgins, from Longdendale High School, Tameside, they find themselves in the 16-strong squad for this summer’s Olympic solidarity training camp and junior international handball tournament in Sweden for the Partille Cup — the biggest junior meeting in Europe.
County team chief Sue Whitehead is community sports manager at Siddal Moor Sports College, where Stefan and Jamal train under the guidance of coach Donna Hankinson.
Sue said: “The progress they have made has been nothing short of fantastic.
“I think what has helped Stefan and Jamal make the transition is the fact they already possessed very good athletics skills, which is a big part of handball.
“The preparations are completed in June before the big cup competition in July. The lads are working very hard to make sure they’re ready for the challenges ahead.”
In youth handball, two teams of seven players each, comprising six outfield players and a goalkeeper, attempt to throw it into a hockey-sized goal. It is quick and physically tough — the second biggest participation sport in the world to football.
Whitehead is certain the boys will give a good account of themselves in Sweden.
She added: “They have done so well to come this far, after picking up the knack of the sport quickly.
“Stefan and Jamal give their all so I’m sure they will go over there and give it their best shot.
“We are looking forward to an exciting summer.”
The Greater Manchester squad also provides two members of the England girls team — Lydia Morgan (Cardinal Langley RC) and Ellie Whitehead (St Gabriels RC High School, Bury).
