Wallace High School Year 9 pupil Alannah Stephenson heads off this Thursday to Slovenia with the Irish under 17 badminton team to compete against other nations in a major competition. This is just reward for the Lisburn youngster in what has already been a busy and successful season having finished runner up in both the under 17 championships at the Racquets Club and in the Leinster Open.
She also found the time to finish runner up in the doubles competition at the same tournaments, as well as playing hockey for the school under 13A team who currently remain unbeaten.
Alannah is obviously delighted with her selection. “It is a great honour to be selected for the Irish under 17 squad especially as I am one of the youngest ever to get picked. I’m really looking forward to playing against the top players from other nations and can’t wait for the big challenges that lie ahead.”
Former Wallace pupil Tony Stephenson (Alannah’s older brother) recently returned home for a one week break from playing full time in Denmark. “I’m training two or three times a day with on court badminton sessions and lots of time in the gym. Its been very enjoyable so far and hopefully will take me to a higher level of performance. I’m also really proud of Alannah and her selection for the Irish team.”
Last modified: November 5, 2009
