Ealing star Bray earns England U19 spot

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Ealing Handball Club’s Oliver Bray has been selected for the England Under-19 team to play in the prestigious Cell Cup in Hungary in August.

The 17-year-old, a part of Ealing’s Under-18s and the Ruislip Eagles II team which won the Regional Division Two title this season, was chosen following a gruelling trial last weekend.

Oliver – pictured receiving coaching from Danish handball legend Lars Christiansen – had been invited to the trial by new England coach Ricardo Vasconcelos, but faced stiff competition from players almost two years older than him.

“I am absolutely chuffed and honoured to have been selected,” said Oliver.

“It is a fantastic opportunity and I am really looking forward to the challenge.

“I gave my all at the trial, as all the players did, but am just so happy to have made the cut.

“Now I need to work harder than ever to make sure I play my part in the team.”

Before August, the squad will come together for regular training camps in the UK, including playing in the Liverpool International tournament and against senior Super 8 sides.

Then shortly before the Cell Cup, they will travel to Serbia for a holding camp before moving to Veszprem in Hungary to play in the main event.

Oliver’s father Paul, head coach at Ealing Handball Club and a former GB international player and coach, said: “I am so proud of him.

“He has worked incredibly hard, not only on his game but also his strength and conditioning, and it has paid dividends. This will be an incredible experience for him.”

In addition to the England Under-19 trip to Serbia and Hungary, Oliver will also attend a training camp in Denmark in July as part of the England Handball Association’s Sporting Excellence programme.

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