A NUMBER of local youngsters are gaining recognition at international level in their chosen sports but it is proving a very costly business for their parents ferrying them to trainingh sessions all over the country and to match venues.

Two such youngsters are includedin the current crop of England Schools hockey players.

Jo Ellis and Andrew Parkes are both 16 year-old pupils at Guiseley School.

As well as trying to concentrate on their school exams the pair, like many other young rising stars, have to go out and seek sponsorship to help them keep at the top of their sport.

Both Andrew and Jo have reached first team level in open age hockey at Ben Rhydding Hockey Club.

Jo was taken there by her mother Sundy who currently plays in the club's third team.

Jo will be the first to admit that it helps to have parents interested in sport - as well as her mother, who is also an instructor at Yeadon's Dragons Fitness Club, father Ian is a rugby union player with the Aireborough club.

Jo's parents are kept at it year round chauffering her around as she is also a keen cricketer with the Leeds Ladies team.

Andrew has played for Yorkshire and North East England teams in the past and this season has attended training and assessment camps for the England Under-16 squad at Northampton and Bisham Abbey.

He has now been called for his final assessment and training before being named in the England squad.

He played for the England Under-16 side in a national indoor Under-19 competition at Bromsgrove last November.

Andrew, who plays right midfield, was instroduced to the game by his teacher Mr Watson when he was in the first year. Mr Watson saw some talent in him and recommended that he join the Ben Rhydding club.

Andrew's mother said: 'Andrew is helped a little by Mercian who give him some discount on hockey sticks but apart from that we have all the expense to bear. On his last trip for training and assessment it cost £100 in petrol but I love going with him. It is really exciting and it is nice to see him succeed.'

Jo has also played for Yorkshire and she was selected for England training at Under-14 level a couple of years ago although they did not play any matches.

Due to a change in age qualification she missed out at Under-16 level but this season has attended two training and assessment camps for the England Under-18 squad at Lilleshall.

Now comes the icing on the cake for she has been selected for the England Under-18 squad for the Home Countries Tournament which will be played at the National Stadium at Milton Keynes in April.

Jo is luucky in that she has already found some sponsorship and a personal trainer.

Family friend Craig Thornton, a former pupil at Jo's school who is now a PE teacher, has taken her under his wing and is putting her through a fitness programme designed to keep her ahead of the pack.

Craig, who plays Bradford League cricket for Yeadon and is well-known on the local soccer scene, said: 'There are lots of youngsters like Jo out there with talent but it is the ones who get themselves really fit who will make their mark and stay out in front.'

Craig also works part-time at Dragons and that is where Jo goes through her programme having generously been given a year's free membership by the club.

Another local sportsman who knows what it is like to go out seeking sponsorship as you are rising up the sporting ladder is David Pennett.

A talented cricketer, soccer player and athlete whilst at Benton Park School David went on to play county cricket with Nottinghamshire and is currently in the England Board squad. He also plays Minor Counties cricket for Cumbria.

He is now an award winning sales manager with Dunlop Slazenger and he has been able to offer Jo some kit sponsorship and a foot in the door for some further sponsorship from the firm.

David said: 'Slazenger are always looking to endorse promising youngsters. I can relate to the position Jo is coming from. I got a lot of benefit and success from my sponsorships and if we can help Jo along then that is great.'

l Both youngsters would appreciate further offers of sponsorship as they go on to represent their country. Andrew can be contacted on 01943 877637 and Jo can be contacted on 01943 878999.

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