Elite youngsters looking forward to sporting success at Dyke House Academy in Hartlepool

The Elite Development Squad has helped promising youngsters to succeed in a range of sports with access to professional coaching, training and support since 2013.

Talented footballers Ben Greig, aged 12, who has represented Hartlepool United and Lennon Robson, 11, plays for Hartlepool Schools, have been awarded a place on the top tier of the scheme,

Ben said: “It feels good to be given a place on the Elite. It gives me confidence because it means I must be doing well at something. I will be trying my hardest to stay on.”

Lennon added: “I used to play for Middlesbrough and I was on trial at Sunderland. I will go to the sessions every week because it will benefit me and help me develop.”

Fellow pupils David Tyers, Shay Goodwin, Ethan Raper, Jaxon Smith, Alfie Austwicke, Sophie Darby, Erin White and Scarlet Smith named on the second tier of the programme.

They will all be coached by Mark Proctor Academy’s reputable Middlesbrough FA coach Andy Dorchell at Dyke House, which is part of the Northern Education Trust, and will attend regular to strength and conditioning sessions.

Three rugby players have also been named on the Elite. They are Old Boys RUFC youngster Lewin Tubuna, and Hartlepool Rovers pair Harry Calvert and Jay Wintersgill.

Rhys Morris, Elite Development Squad co-ordinator, said: “Over the years we have promoted plenty of students on to the Elite and I would like to think we will promote more to the top tier as they continue to progress.

“We would like help our students succeed academically and in a sporting sense.

“We would like to push on from the success last year, when our golfers became the first Durham school to win the national title as well as all of our football success in winning numerous town cup finals.”

Dyke House is welcoming applicants from all sports to join the Elite Development Squade. Email [email protected] or pick up a form from the school’s front desk.