James Salt makes GB water polo team

James (fourth in from the right on the front row) with the Great Britain Junior Water Polo team

Local boy James Salt has been selected for the Great Britain Junior Water Polo team.

James, who lives in Rochdale and is currently undertaking his A Levels, will juggle his studies with his sports and head off to the European Championships in Malta from 4 to 11 May.

Speaking of his selection James said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been chosen and don’t think I can convey just how proud I am to have been asked to represent my country.”

James has enjoyed considerable success in water polo in recent years; he has captained his school’s team and in 2012 he and his older brother Will helped secure Manchester Grammar School (MGS) victory at the U18s English Schools Championships.

“My brother and I were fortunate enough to have fantastic coaches at school,” James added. “We undoubtedly owe the success of recent years to them and my selection for the GB team is a huge credit to the school’s commitment to the sport.”

James is currently studying for A Levels in Geography, Politics, and Economics at MGS. When he leaves school this summer he plans to study Environment and Development at LSE.

Steven Walsh, who coaches aspiring water polo players at MGS, said: “This is a great achievement and well deserved. James has put in so much effort over the years and has certainly earned his place in the GB Team.”