Isla Hedderman of Tornadoes Korfball Club & Academy in Medway named in England under-15 squad for Czech Republic tournament
06:52, 01 July 2024
updated: 07:11, 01 July 2024
Korfball teenager Isla Hedderman has earned an international call-up.
Hedderman will represent England under-15s at a tournament in the Czech Republic this month.
The 14-year-old, from Greenhithe, was selected after impressing at regional academy level and is off to Prague for the competition which runs from July 11-14.
Hedderman, a Year 9 pupil at Fort Pitt Grammar School for Girls in Rochester, also trains in Medway as a member of Tornadoes Korfball Club and Academy.
Speaking of her England selection, Tornadoes chairman Richard Woodham said: “It’s very exciting. She’s been with us for a couple of years.
“She was already a netball player, she’s extremely talented and a real natural athlete.
“I think she could adapt to most sports.
“She’s still very young but she’s progressing extremely well.”
Hedderman worked hard for selection for Prague where England will face some tough opponents.
Woodham added: “She’s played for the county at under-13 and under-15s, she’s been in the south east regional academy side at under-15s this year and now she’s progressed to the full England team.
“To get picked by England, you’re selected for the regional academies, in Isla’s case the south east, and then from that there’s a regional tournament against the other areas.
“The coaches then select who they want from there and I believe it’s a 28-player squad.
“I don’t know a lot about the other teams but the Czech Republic are an up-and-coming country in korfball and they’re in the top 10 in the world in all the age groups.
“It will be quite a challenge. You normally get a lot of very tall boys and girls in this age group.
“It’ll be a fantastic experience for Isla.”
Woodham also coaches Hedderman when she trains with the Tornadoes senior sides.
She has both the talent and the attitude to shine.
“We’re careful that we don’t progress the young elite players too early,” said Woodham.
“Isla’s easy to manage because of her ability level but also her maturity as well.
“You could have someone who’s really good but mentally not ready and then the jump from playing juniors to seniors can be quite onerous but Isla’s handled that really well.
“Her development has been exceptional this year.
“She’s got a great attitude, which really helps, and a supportive family.”
Boots Opticians in Bexleyheath have sponsored Hedderman’s England travel kit.