A talented Cumbrian table tennis player has been selected to represent England in an international competition.
Sophie Ackred, of Chetwynde School in Barrow, scooped a place at the British Senior Schools Internationals taking place at the University of Galway in Ireland later this month.
She was praised by selectors for the high standard she has achieved to make it to the event where she will compete against teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
The year nine pupil, who helps run the school’s table tennis club along with her dad Paul, said she was delighted to receive the letter confirming her place in the finals.
She said: “I’m excited and really proud to be selected. I’ve played in the schools internationals twice before and it was a fantastic experience.”
Sophie, who is a sporting all-rounder and also enjoys football and cricket, first picked up a table tennis bat when she was around six years old.
She was introduced to the sport by her dad, Paul, who has played locally for many years and helps run the local league and junior and adult coaching sessions.
He said: “Sophie puts time and effort into her training. She loves sport and also helps also run the morning table tennis sessions at Chetwynde School, which are for pupils from year four upwards.
“The sessions we run on a Tuesday and Thursday evening at the school have also been a great success with a number of juniors who initially came for a practice with friends now playing in the local league against senior players.
“Table tennis is not only a great sport from the physical aspect but also helps develop friendships which can last many years and is truly an inclusive sport for all.”
