England eye up Raiders youngsters

Seven young Telford Raiders players could be in line for national recognition, after being picked for the Midlands under-12 rugby league squad.

National selectors will be watching Joe Furlong, Jack Harris, Ross McGinn, Nathan Reid, Ben Scarisbrick, Nathan Smart and Josh Young.

"Their success is an indication of what can be achieved by youngsters from this area," said Raiders' Andy Farrell.

"Young rugby league players here now have access to quality coaching."

Bob Adams and Matt Scarisbrick from the club have been working alongside community coaches Pom Tutt and Paul Szhehofner to widen the accessibility of the sporty locally.

And the seven players selected - from five different schools - means there are more Telford Raiders players in the Midlands squad than from any other club.

And a series of good performances at the Midlands training sessions by the young Raiders could see them being selected to attend national training camps in August.

Competitively, the Midlands under-12s will play four fixtures this summer, starting against North London at Northampton on 18 May.

The Telford Festival for under-11s and under-12s is on Sunday 11 May.