BRIDGWATER College Sports Scholarship student, Jack Williams, has been selected to play in the England Basketball under 17s Regional Development Tournament, at Nottingham’s Wildcat Arena.

After several rounds of trials, he is one of only 10 players to be selected from the South West Region, and is one of the only two point guards to be selected.

Jack, 17, from Bridgwater, started playing at the age of 13, for his School and local club Bridgwater Bucs. He quickly progressed into the county team and has trained for two years with the Regional Basketball Development Team, competing in tournaments in Poland and Estonia.

Currently Jack plays for a number of teams including the Somerset Tigers, Bridgwater Bucs and Bridgwater College’s Team BC Performance Basketball.

He is an assistant coach for his local club, Bridgwater Bucs, where he coaches and mentors young players on Friday evenings, at Bridgwater College’s Sports Hall.

The England Basketball Regional Development Tournament is a program which provides players and coaches with a direct pathway to progress from their home club to regional selection and then to national junior squad selection.

Jack, who studies the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science said: “It's an honour to have this opportunity.

“I remember when I was younger being told to come back when I had improved and developed. It shows that if you put in the hard work and dedication the results will come over time. Just don't give up and keep working at it.

“I can't thank my coaches (Joe, Gary, Rich, Jake and Mark) enough for the hours which they have put in for me over the years.

“When I started playing for Bucs I looked up to the senior players and they inspired me to work hard and get to where I am now.”

Jack is currently looking for sponsorship to help with the costs associated with his training as well as future development. If you are interested in supporting Jack, please contact Sarah Williams for more information, 07799730299.