A DUO of young skiers are ready to hit the slopes on a national scale after being called up to the English Schools’ ski team.

Emily Riley and Isobel Brooks, Year 11 and Year 10 students at Richmond School and Sixth Form College, have been selected from ski racers across the country for the 2020 English Schools’ Senior Squad.

The pair were up against strong competition with the selection process based on their ski racing performance in the recent English Schools’ Ski Association National Championships in Sunderland and Norwich, as well as taking into account results from earlier races.

Their achievement is made all the greater as many of the contenders are from large private schools who have their own school ski coaches and others who are able to train more frequently due to being closer to ski training facilities.

Emily and Isobel train every week with the school ski squad and Ravens Tigers Racing Club at Silksworth Dry Ski Slope in Sunderland and, when possible, on snow at Xscape in Castleford or when it snows locally.

Isobel said: “I have hoped to get on the ESSKIA Squad for a while and have finally got the chance to go.

"It is something that I have been aiming for. I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and learning new skills under the experienced coaches.”

The girls, who have been skiing since they were three years old, have been invited to attend squad training camps in Norway in February.

The camps provide students with a unique and valuable experience in developing their skills, ability and teamwork.

Emily said: “I was so excited when I heard I had been selected for the squad.

"I couldn’t believe it when we found out and I can’t wait.

"It is such a great opportunity. I am really looking forward to the camp in Norway to train and race on snow.”

This news came hot on the heels of both the boys’ and girls’ Richmond school teams qualifying for the British Schools Championships at Stoke.