City of Leeds Syncronised Swimming Club’s Emma Laycock and Tilly Budd have been selected as part of a British Team of 12 athletes to go to the first ever FINA World Youth Artistic Swimming Championships.

The Great Britain squad includes several who will be making their international debut during the competition in Samorin, Slovakia between 28th August and 1st September.

Not only will they face some of the best young synchronised swimmers in the world, many will also have to adjust to the challenge of competing in an outdoor pool for the first time.

Karen Thorpe, Swim England Synchro Manager, said: “All the top nations will be competing and this will be a huge test for the team. They are aged between 13 and 15 years and, for some, it will be their first taste of international competition.

There’s rumoured to be more than 30 nations competing in the compulsory figures event so that could last at least six hours so they will have to really focus. The standard will be exceptionally high and our goal will be to get as close to the top 12 as we can.”

Before they fly out to Slovakia, the team will be taking part in a week-long intense training camp. The team will be travelling to Samorin with coach Barbara Lithadioti, assistant coach Michaela Kostraki and team manager Sarah Clarke.

The North East Region wishes Emma, Tilly and the rest of the team the best of luck at the championships