Bradford ice hockey starlet Myles Dacres is celebrating the dream Christmas present after being picked by England.

The 14-year-old joins up with the under-15s national squad on Boxing Day, flying out to face Italy, Switzerland and Germany.

Dacres, from Wilsden, follows in the footsteps of fellow Bradford Bulldog Macauley Stones, who recently made the England under-14s team.

Dad Charles Dacres, the club president, said: “It’s a major achievement to get two juniors into the England set-up like that.

“I’ve been coaching at Bradford for nearly 30 years and in that time we’ve only had three players who have made it. So to have two young lads being selected at their age groups now is something we can be very proud of.”

Goal machine Myles, who plays centre, has been picked for the 17-man group. He is certainly built for the job at 6ft 2in tall with size 13 feet.

“I’m only 5ft 9in,” laughed Charles, “but the rest of my family are all giants. Myles is certainly one of the tallest in his age group, although there are some big lads in there.

“But he’s grown up with a stick in his hand. He’s been on the ice since he was 18 months old and could probably skate before he could walk.

“When I was coaching at the club he would always go along and play on the ice while I was talking to the players.

“He’s been playing properly since he was about ten and was the country’s top scorer last year by a mile.”

Unfortunately his success comes at a considerable price. Ice hockey is not the cheapest sport and Charles admitted he would love some sponsorship support to help pay the costs.

He said: “Everything has to be paid for – flights, equipment, his gym work and even the clothing to play for his country.

“Ice hockey is a minority sport in this country so it doesn’t get the backing.”

Anyone interested in learning to play can attend beginners’ sessions at Bradford Ice Rink on Wednesdays at 5.30pm. Separate training sessions for under-tens take place on Saturdays from 4-5pm.

To sponsor Myles, contact Charles Dacres on 07850-471284.