Young James on a real roll (From Swindon Advertiser)

Young James on a real roll

9:29am Thursday 29th May 2008

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TENPIN BOWLING

A TEENAGER has smashed his way into Welsh tenpin bowling history after securing a unique international treble.

James Footner, 19, is the first to ever be selected for Wales across all generations and is now eyeing a medal to cap off his remarkable achievement.

Footner will travel with the Wales senior team to Belfast in August for the adult triple crown, before representing the junior team later that month in their triple crown in Wales.

Prior to that in July, Footner would already have represented Wales in the Youth World Games in Orlando in what could prove to be a memorable hat-trick.

He said: "I have been told I am the first person ever to have been selected for all three age groups at the same time.

"I am really proud it has happened to me and now I just can't wait for the tournaments to start. It is a big challenge but one I am looking forward to.

"It would be brilliant if I could come away with a medal. I know it will be a really tough test though because the world's best will be there."

Footner made his international debut in 2006, when he appeared for Wales in the European Youth championships, qualifying for them through his Welsh dad Roger.

The University of Bath student bowls in the Tenpin Swindon League and averages 200 points, although he knows a big improvement will be needed if he is to make his mark on the world stage.

"I would probably need around 230 to get near the medals in the world youth championships," said Footner.

"There are going to be some amazing bowlers in Orlando. The Americans are obviously the best because they take the sport so seriously. The Scandinavians are really good as well.

"It may be asking too much to expect too much from the event in Orlando, but in the triple crown I think we have a good chance of doing well.

"This is all a learning curve for me though and it is a fantastic opportunity.

"The only drawback is I have to fund the trip myself, and needless to say a trip to Orlando does not come cheap."

Footner, of Bradenstoke near Lynham, may be in for a busy few months but that does not stop him from dreaming of bigger and better things in the future.

He said: "They have a world cup and a senior world championships so who knows? One day I could qualify for that."

Footner's Orlando adventure is expected to cost in the region of £2,000 and anyone interested in helping sponsor him should contact james.footner@btinternet.com.

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