England call up for judo's Ryan Phillips

12 November 2008

Ryan Phillips, a student at St Philip Howard Catholic Sports College and a member Glossop Judo Club has received his England call up.

The 14-year-old from Simmondley, who won a silver medal at the British Judo Championships this year, has now been selected for the England U17 judo squad.

The talented fighter had been nervously waiting since the championsips in early October to see whether he had done enough throughout the year to earn his England place. Thankfully the postman has now delivered the good news.

Ryan (pictured) said: “It was great when I read the opening line telling me I’d been selected onto the England squad. I’m really looking forward to the extra training and coaching and it’ll be great to wear the england badge on my ‘gi’ (judo suit).”

Bronze medals at the British Schools Championships, the Welsh U20s and the Heart of England Championships, a gold at the north west closed and finishing the year off with the silver at the British Championships was all the evidence the England squad selectors needed to give Ryan a well deserved spot.

Proud dad and Ryan's judo coach, Steve, was also over the moon.

He said: “I’m really pleased for him, he’s worked hard and produced some great judo, culminating with this year's excellent results. He really deserves his place in the squad, he’s had to fight in some very large groups over the years and he’s got his call up with not just determination but skillfull judo.”

Ryan's first England training session was on Sunday (9th Nov) in Dartford, a tough session with over 100 of the top English fighters taking part. As a member of the older end of the junior England squad (cadets), Ryan has now got the chance to represent his country in European events over the forthcoming year.

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