Matthew Daines from Yateley, Hampshire, has been selected and named captain of the England U14 basketball team.
Matthew, an alumnus of Yateley Manor School, attends JMA in Reading and is a member of the Yateley Silverbacks basketball club.
He made his debut against Scotland in Dundee and last week captained his country in Serbia against two academy teams in Belgrade.
Matthew was selected after strong performances for his two clubs, Yateley Silverbacks and Reading Rockets, and numerous trials for the South of England region.
He scored 18 points against Wales on his third cap and led the team in assists and minutes played in Serbia.
Matthew started playing as soon as he could walk as his dad Pete is a basketball coach and manager of Yateley Silverbacks.
Matthew said: “I’ve always wanted to play for England and the trips have been a dream come true.”
He is the first Yateley Silverback to come through the ranks from Diddy Dunkers to the youth teams to now play for England. England coaches chose him as captain due to his maturity, leadership and high basketball IQ.
His father, who is obviously very proud, said: “He played well and it was so exciting for all his friends, family and all the coaches who have played a role in his development so far to see him represent. the country.
“He’s worked hard to get to this point and knows he has to keep doing it for a long time.
“He is an inspiration to all the young kids playing in this area at Yateley and Reading who can now try to follow his path to the national team.”
