Trampoline ace bouncing after England call-up
TRAMPOLINING
MARTIN Bland is in bouncy mood right now - and who can blame him after winning his first national callup, writes TONY HODGSON.
The Cullercoats teenager is part of the England junior team contesting the Frivolten Cup in Sweden, which runs from Wednesday until Sunday.
England will take on squads from Denmark, Holland, Germany and Sweden in the prestigious event, Bland competing in the junior boys’ section.
His call-up is recognition for a year of success for Bland, a member of the Washington-based Apollo Trampolining Club.
Last October he won the British Trampoline Elite Championship title (13-14 years) at Liverpool’s Echo Arena, making him the No. 1 in the UK in his age group.
The youngster followed that last month with gold at the English Qualification Series One event in Gillingham, Kent – triumphing by a clear six marks.
He then bagged another gold at Telford in the British Gymnastics Spring Series One event.
Bland said: “I am thrilled to win a place on the England junior team as I just missed out on a place the previous year.
“It has taken a lot of training and commitment to get this far.
“I am looking forward to taking part in more competitions around the UK and overseas in 2018 and also defending my British Championship title later this year.”
Bland’s coach at the Apollo club Gary Short is delighted but not surprised at his protege gaining national recognition for his trampolining talents. He said: “I started coaching Martin at the start of last year and in that time he has made massive progress.
“He has been training with European medallist Kat Driscoll (pictured left) at Washington Leisure Centre and that has helped him hugely in his development.
“Martin is a terrific prospect and if he keeps working hard and improving the way he is he can go a long way in the sport.”
Short – lead coach of the squad heading to Sweden – added: “Winning his first England call-up is a real feather in Martin’s cap.
“It is one he deserves after his recent success.
“Fingers crossed he can perform well in Sweden but the competition will be of a very high standard.
“We are hopeful Martin will be part of the Great Britain squad for the World Age Group Games in Russia in November.
“He still has a little way to go to meet the qualifying criteria but next week’s event can help him achieve that if he does well.”
Bland is seeking sponsorship to help his career develop further. Anyone interested should contact his dad David on 07895 384 684.