Two teenage roller hockey players from Faversham-based RHC Invicta have spent a week training with the England squad in Portugal.

Luke Latham and George Kohler (pictured), both 13, took part in five days of training with England coaches in Feira, near Porto, and played games against four local youth sides.

The camp is part of the preparations for the under-17 European Championships in 2012, with both players – who attend St Anselm’s School, Canterbury – hoping to win a place in the squad.

Andy Latham, Luke’s father, said: "It was their third Portugal trip with the national team – the second this year – and there are another two next year.

"They get a full-on five days coaching and then get to play against local sides which is a good test for them. It is a professional sport over there and taken seriously.

"They are completely focused on the under-17 championships."

Mr Latham, from Swalecliffe, revealed: "Luke kind of stumbled into roller hockey, he used to skate at the Pier Pavilion in Herne Bay and it kind of evolved from there."

The pair were formerly with Herne Bay United but switched to Faversham-based RHC Invicta which was founded last year.

Luke trained with the senior team on Sunday and his father said he was confident his son could go a long way in the sport.

He said: "It was good experience for him to get involved in training with the senior side."