Camp fundraiser aims to help Harrison fulfil his dream of playing for England

A talented teenager who has played for two West Norfolk clubs is hoping to fulfil his dream of attending an England training camp.

Harrison Belham, 13, has only been playing roller hockey for three years but his talent as a goalkeeper has shone out and he has been selected for a special training camp at Easter.

This good news has come as a boost for the University Academy Holbeach pupil who is getting over the loss of three grandparents over three years.

But in order to get out to the training camp in Portugal Harrison and his mum Phoebe Lee need to raise £2,000.

Mrs Lee, 43, who lives with her children in Sutton St James, said: “It has been a hard couple of years and Harrison was close to all of his grandparents.

“He is coming off the rink with a proper smile and to see that again is just so heart warming.

“Harrison is not the most confident youngster but this training camp would do him the world of good.”

Harrison caught the roller hockey bug at the age of 10 after accompanying family members to games.

Since then he has played for King’s Lynn Roller Hockey Club and the Skaters Roller Hockey Club in Walpole Highway.

Harrison achieved his wish to play in the perilous goalkeeping position in September after months of nagging his mum.

Mrs Lee said: “When we got back to training after the lockdowns we asked the coaches. He gave it a chance and came off buzzing.

“Goalkeepers have the hardest job on the rink.”

Harrison’s talent has captured the attention of England coach Carlos Amaral.

He invited Harrison, who will be accompanied by his mum, to take part in the intensive training course in Portugal during April.

This camp would see Harrison undergoing numerous training sessions along with having the opportunity to play local teams.

Mrs Lee said: “Carlos told me that Harrison is impressing him so much as a goalkeeper and he is doing so well.

“He said that Harrison has a lot of potential. He stands a very good chance of playing in the Under 17s England team in 2024.”

The family sadly lost Mrs Lee’s mum Jenty Smith, who lived in St Neots, in September 2020 after she had suffered a stroke.

Just over a year later, tragedy struck again when Mrs Lee’s father John died after fighting leukaemia. Then 10 days later, Harrison lost another grandparent, Margaret Belham.

Mrs Lee said: “Harrison was very close to his nan, she idolised him. It has hit him hard to lose all three grandparents.”

l If you were able to help, email phoebelee14.pl@gmail.com