A TEENAGER from Teesside has been chosen to represent Great Britain in the emerging sport of street hockey.

Ross Beall, 16, who started out as an ice hockey player, will join the Team GB under-20-s squad at the International Street & Ball Hockey Federation junior world championships, in Sheffield later this year.

He was introduced to the sport in 2014 as a way of improving his skills on the ice, but the arts and media student soon discovered he preferred playing on foot.

“Playing with the under-20s is a big step up for me,” said Mr Beall, who previously qualified for the Team GB Under-16s in 2015.

"But it is a good feeling to know that you are representing your country.”

Mr Beall, who is a student at The Skills Academy in Billingham, now plays with the Durham Ninjas, and has his sights set on a place travelling the world with the adult Team GB squad.

He is currently looking for sponsorship to help cover the cost of travel, accommodation and insurance, during the ISBHF Junior World Championships. Anyone wanting to help can email: marketing@stockton.ac.uk