The England Under 14s girls basketball team have been training at Smithills sports centre.

Talented girl athletes came from all over the country to take part in a selection weekend. The players selected will play against other European countries later this year. Basketball is one of the fastest growing sports for both boys and girls in the country.

The staging of this trial at Smithills made history for Bolton. This was the first time that a session like this has been held in our town. Senior national coaches were very impressed by the hospitality that they enjoyed in their visit and also by the excellent facilities at Smithills Sports Centre.

For the first time a girl basketballer has been selected for the National Team.

Kate Dickinson, a pupil at Canon Slade School, has been selected to play for England at this level. Kate regularly plays for her school team and for the successful Bolton Basketball Club.

Bolton Basketball Club have teams in the National League, in the Passerelle League and at present there is a strong development for junior boys. A particular mention should be made about Kate Dickinson's athletic abilities. Not only has she been selected for the National Basketball team but also she is a regular member of the All-England Hockey Development Squad. Kate represents Lancashire and Greater Manchester in a county tournament later this year.

It was a great weekend for Bolton Sports Centre, Bolton Basketball Club and Kate Dickinson.