England dream a step closer for Drew
STOCKPORT schoolboy, Drew Bickerton, 15, has secured a place with the U15 England Lacrosse Academy.
Drew, who attends Hulme Hall school, has been playing Lacrosse with Mellor Lacrosse Club since he was five years old.
He has been selected for the England Talent Pathway and is hoping that this will ultimately lead him to a place in the England squad.
“I am so pleased to have been chosen,” he said. “It takes me one step closer to my dream of playing for my country at the World Championships.”
The Hulme Hall pupil trains at least four times a week and plays matches most weekends but still manages to find time to do his studies.
Said Headteacher, Rachael Allen, “We are delighted for Drew. He is an inspiration to the younger children in our school as he has shown real determination and dedication to the sport.”
Drew was destined to take up Lacrosse as his family have been playing for over 90 years! His father played for Scotland in two World Championships whilst one Grandad managed the England Lacrosse team in 1982 and the other assisted in 1990.
His mum is thrilled that her son is keeping the family tradition alive. Said Vicky: “Drew is a combination of two well-known lacrosse families and has won every major junior cup at U12 and U14 level. We couldn’t be more proud!”
Not only does the Year 10 student play for Mellor and the England Academy, but he has also been chosen for the U17 English Knights Elite and Stockport Metros Lacrosse, both of which will take him to America during the next two summers.
Drew is the second pupil from Hulme Hall to have succeeded at Lacrosse. Oliver Rogerson is currently playing lacrosse in Australia.