Four Ealing players in regional academy
Four Ealing players have been selected for the England Handball Association’s Under-16 regional academy.
Goalkeeper Bhargav Bogadala (number one in above picture), left-back Oliver Bray (number two), right-back Anthony Wodzicki (11) and playmaker Matt Lacour (14) have been chosen.
They impressed during two weekends of trials and County Championships, attended by more than 100 hopefuls and watched by England Under-16 coach Mark Hawkins.
Another Ealing Handball player, Ajay Sahota (number three), is on the reserves list.
Bray was in the England Under-16 programme last season and played in his first England matches last summer, while the other three join the regional academy for the first time and could now be called up for the Under-16 side.
“This is a huge achievement for these players and they should be very proud,” said Ealing head coach Paul Bray
“Their selection is thoroughly deserved and recognition for all their hard work and dedication.”
The 20 players in the EHA regional academy squad will train once a month in London and play matches against other regional academy teams in the midlands and north, as well as friendly matches against visiting teams, including Czech junior champions Karvina in May.
In the summer the squad will travel to one of the major European junior tournaments in either Sweden or Hungary.
Ealing Handball has been in existence for less than two years, so the selection of four players and one reserve is a great success for the club and its coaches Paul Bray and JC Lacour.
“This reflects well on all the players at the club,” Bray added.
“Ultimately it is through their collective efforts that the standard of play at the club has improved, and that the four selected players have been able to thrive.”
Oliver Bray and Wodzicki also benefit from playing with Ruislip Eagles II senior team in the Southern League, where they have received additional support and training.
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