SHIPLEY is the place to be for young ten-pin bowler Callum Simons as he prepares for the biggest test of his fledgling career so far in the USA next month.

The 20-year-old has had a fine year so far on the European Tour with multiple successes and his efforts have been rewarded with a place in England's four-man Under-22 World Youth Championship boys squad in Detroit, Michigan.

The Leeds-born bowler wants to avoid distractions ahead of the tournament, which begins on July 24, and is dedicating himself to regular practice at the Go Bowling – Shipley Lanes facility.

He said: "I've moved there so I can get my head down and train every day. Shipley's not that big but their centre has 11 leagues and nearly 400 bowlers.

"Bowling in this country isn't as small as it seems, and most big towns will have a team. Part of what I'm trying to do is push the sport a bit, and get some support and publicity for this trip and ten-pin bowling in general."

Simons was influenced as a youngster by his father's job as a bowling centre manager in Shipley, and he said: "He's been massive for me. He's never pushed me and has just let me get on with it."

Now though, he loves bowling in his own right, and his decision to pursue a career in the traditionally American sport seems to be paying dividends.

Simons spoke about his career progressing each season and said: "I've been a three-time junior national champion and I've won the national championships in the adult division as well.

"I competed on the Youth European Tour this year and came third overall. The top-six qualified for the finals in the Netherlands and I came third there too."

His excitement when discussing the World Championships in Detroit is obvious and the youngster admitted: "Without a doubt it's the biggest stage there is for this age group. There's no bigger tournament and I'm really looking forward to it."

After a couple of days of training and formalities, the action kicks on Friday, July 27 for Simons with the boys singles tournament. Doubles and team competitions follow later in the 11-day programme.