A BARNT Green schoolgirl has been selected for the English U14 Alpine Ski Squad following a recent selection weekend in Manchester.

Siena Horton, who trains in the UK and overseas, was chosen to attend the selection weekend in Manchester, which involved fitness tests, on-snow skill-based exercises at indoor snow slope Chill Factore and strength and conditioning and nutrition sessions.

Following the weekend, her dream of competing for Great Britain came a step closer to happening as he was selected to the English Alpine Ski Squad.

Sje will represent England in dry and indoor slope races across the country, as well as at the English Alpine Ski Championships in Italy next February.

The English Alpine Ski Squads, managed by national governing body Snowsport England are the stepping-stone for young skiers as they work towards skiing for Great Britain, and the ultimate aim, the Winter Olympics and World Cup circuit.

Snowsport England Chief Executive Tim Fawke said of the recent English Squad selections: “Our recent selection weekend for the English Alpine Ski Squads was a real success.

"The enthusiasm and dedication from our athletes was really impressive and we have got some promising talent in all of our squads.

"We aim to help support all the athletes in their progression as ski racers as much as we can and help them fulfill their dreams of becoming professional skiers.”

For people interested in taking up skiing, they can get involved with Snowsport England’s Go Ski Go board campaign, which offers value for money sessions to give skiing or snowboarding a go and then continue to learn the skills of snowsports.

For more details go to www.goskigoboard.org.uk