WATER POLO: Grantham keeper Naya to represent England this weekend

Grantham and Hucknall goalkeeper Naya Patel has been chosen to represent the England under-17 women’s water polo team for the EU Nations Cup in Odense Denmark this weekend.

The tournament is being held at the University Swimming pool in Odense and will see Naya’s England side do battle against teams from Malta, Switzerland, Ireland, Wales, Czech Republic, South Arica and Denmark. Sixteen-year-old KGGS student Naya was selected for the England Talent Water Polo programme two years ago and has been training since then, aiming at international representation.

Naya said: “I am so proud to have been selected for an international competition and I can’t wait to put myself to the test.”

Speaking ahead of the tournament, under-17s head coach Ian MacCallum said: “The EU Nations Cup is a great opportunity for the players to experience an international competition. It will also be an important starting point for them on the road to the European Championships in 2018 and we are all looking forward to that challenge

Naya is preparing for GCSEs this summer but still manages to fit in routine training sessions at Grantham and Hucknall, GB training sessions and representation at English Schools, club (both Grantham and Hucknall), Regional (Midlands) and National Age Group levels.