Ryedale | Archive | 2004 | May | 5
From the Gazette & Herald, first published Wednesday 5th May 2004.
TEENAGER Emily Glass has taken a big step towards her aim of becoming a nationally-ranked table tennis player.
The 16-year-old has won a place at an exclusive table tennis academy at Grantham College.
She will receive regular coaching from Commonwealth gold medalist Bradley Billington and get the chance to play in a host of national competitions.
Emily, who is a pupil at Ryedale School, said: "I'm so pleased as it's an amazing opportunity. I think there are only between 20 or 25 places available so it's quite a privilege. Some of the top-ranking England juniors have gone there."
Along with taking four A-levels, she will receive 15 hours' coaching a week from Billington, who has won a string of national and international titles. He is one of the country's most respected coaches.
Emily secured her place after she attended an interview at the college and her game was assessed by Billington.
Apart from winning the under-14 Yorkshire title, Emily has not had much competition experience. But her place at Grantham will enable her to take part in lots of national events, which will hopefully result in her achieving a national ranking.
"I aim to get as high a ranking as possible. As for the England team, I'd love to get that far."
Emily has been playing table tennis since the age of 11 when she first attended the club set up by her coach, Cliff Edens, at Helmsley Community Primary School.
She has been going for coaching two nights a week at the club, which is thriving with up to 40 members.
But few of these are girls, which is something Emily hopes will change.
"The sport is as much a girls' sport as it is a boys'. I hope me getting into the academy will spur other girls on."
Emily will start at the college in September. She admits leaving home and fending for herself will be one of the biggest things for her to cope with.
With regard to this, she said: "I'm planning to go to university, so this is a good opportunity to do it now and get a taste for it. Grantham is only two hours away."
Updated: 11:11 Wednesday, May 05, 2004
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