SNAITH Stormer Steven Hudson is on a roll after earning a Great Britain call-up.

Steven, 16, has been selected in a 14-strong roller hockey squad to represent his country during a ten-day trip to Detroit in July, which will culminate in the Junior Olympics.

The Huntington School pupil is one of two net-minders chosen for the under-16 squad and his first international call-up comes after helping his club team - Snaith Stormers - qualify for the national finals at Under-16, U18 and U21 level.

Stormers' U18 side have finished their season as North-East League champions and Steven gained his place on the plane to America after impressing during trials in Wales.

The GCSE pupil has already gained North-East regional representative honours despite only taking the sport up three years ago.

He first played at Huntington when he was a founding member of the Ryedale Reapers U14 team that has since disbanded due to a lack of players when the age groups split.

His move to Snaith, who boast a number of former GB internationals, has seen him develop his goalkeeping skills although the club are still forced to play their home games in Rotherham, which provides the nearest purpose-built roller hockey rink.

There are no appropriate facilities in York for a sport that is described by Steven's dad Graham as "ice hockey on wheels with one less player for either side".

The five-a-side matches consist of three 15-minute periods at U16 level and 20-minute periods for seniors.

Steven, who is now looking for willing sponsors to provide financial assistance for his international trip, is organising a race night at Huntington Sports Club to raise funds for the U16s' GB squad.

Anybody interested should call Graham Hudson on 07831 469792 or 01904 654655.

Updated: 10:59 Wednesday, May 24, 2006