Gina keeping international dreams alive

CLASS ACT: Gina Brierley shows off her England shirt.

BASKETBALL: 

GINA Brierley has come a long way since first stepping on to the basketball court at the Kaskenmoor Ball Hall the day after her sixth birthday.

Now 17, the former North Chadderton School pupil is making an impact on the international stage, having represented England women’s under-18s team at the prestigious European Championships tournament in Romania.

Having caught the basketball bug 11 years ago, Gina was snapped up by nationally-recognised outfit Manchester Mystics at the age of 10. Playing at guard, she has now gone into the senior team, which plays in the tough British Women’s Basketball League.

Gina said: “It’s hard in the national league. The opposition is really tough. But we had a good season last time and it’s been a great experience for me. I’m one of the youngest in our team. One of the girls is 10 years older than me.”

Gina performed well for England at the European tournament, where the side finished 12th out of 20. Gina, raised in Chadderton but based mainly in Hulme, has big ambitions for her sporting career.

She added: “I’m too old for the England under-18s now so the next step would be the Great Britain under-20s squad. If I keep playing well for the Mystics hopefully I can achieve that.

“I also want to play in the United States, where basketball is much more popular. That would be a dream come true.”

Gina’s grandmother Pauline said: “We’re all so proud. Gina has shown such determination and commitment over the years.”