Sam will now join Morley International team mate Mark Lunn in the national set-up after two highly successful years. Having topped the northern rankings and reached the semi-finals of the National Youth Grand Prix last year, Morley High School pupil Sam was invited for England trials but just failed to qualify for the side.

Sam finished joint third in this year’s rankings and received another trials invitation and this time he secured a place in the England side.

Dad, David Hirst, said: “We are obviously very proud of Sam but we also realise that the real hard work will start from now.

“Sam plays pool five or six times a week, either in matches or practicing and he really enjoys it but we also make sure he has time set aside for his school work.”

David, who got involved in the West Yorkshire Youth set-up through Sam and is now their team manager, added: “Sam has been playing pool since the age of nine when we bought him a mini table for the front room.

“One night, we had gone out for a family meal and the pub had a pool table and Sam went over to play. After a while a man came over to us and advised that we get some coaching as he had seen his potential.”

Since the age of 10, Sam has been receiving coaching from former world champion Mick Hill at the Morley International Club. Sam represents Morley International in the Mirfield and District League on Tuesdays and plays for the White Rose Club, based in Gawthorpe, on Wednesdays, while he also enters individual tournaments.

Lunn, 16, has also qualified for England Under-18s for a second successive year and was part of the victorious team, who competed in Dundalk, Ireland, last February.

Sam and Mark can now look forward to representing England in international events, while there is also the possibility of a European Tour to Malta.

n The West Yorkshire county youth pool trials will be held on Sunday March 21 at Morley International, registration 10.30am for an 11am start.

The entry fee if £5 and the county will be running A and B teams this year. For further details contact West Yorkshire youth squad manager David Hirst on 07833 182944.