Rising teenage Cumbrian squash star Adam Goad is set to represent England at the European Team Championships in the Netherlands next month.

Competing at the Eindhoven event from May 9-12, Carlisle Squash Club member Goad will play for his country in the Under-17 category.

“He has played for England before at Under-13 and Under-15 levels in different competitions, and has obviously maintained his standard to be selected again,” said Stuart, Adam’s father.

The selection of Goad, who turns 17 in June, sees the talented ace recognised for his fine form so far this year.

Stuart added: “He has won two gold events this year, one in Surrey and one down in Millfield [in Somerset], and he was the runner-up at the English Championship at Under-17 level, as well."

Queen Elizabeth Grammar School student Goad, who is top of the England Under-17 rankings, and is coached in Chorley and Edinburgh, is also managing to maintain his schoolwork alongside his sporting commitments.

“If he is not playing squash or training, he is actually doing work in between,” said Stuart.

“The likelihood is, when he goes to Eindhoven for five days, he will take work with him because he is back on the Sunday, has the day off on the Monday and then his A-Level mock exams are on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.”

In late January, Goad became the new men’s Cumbria County champion as he de-throned Paul Bell after he had enjoyed more than a decade at the top of the county’s ranks.

“He beat his previous coach, Paul, who coached him from 10 up until he was about 14, in the final. He sees him now and then, that’s the coach who he sees in Edinburgh when he’s available,” said Stuart.

“But Paul is committed to national squash in Scotland full-time. So, he doesn’t have many free weekends.”

And when he isn’t competing, Goad still enjoys playing against fellow young Carlisle prospect Joseph Broadley at their Warwick Road venue.

Stuart said: “Joseph is a bit of a sparring partner for Adam.

“Joseph is getting better and better the more he plays Adam. To be fair, it’s helping Adam to maintain his fitness, as well.”