DEAL Rowing Club’s exciting young prospect Ben Smissen has been selected to attend a National Sculling Camp at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham.

The camp, which will take place at Easter, will involve young rowers from throughout the country who have the potential to progress to the Great Britain squad, with the ultimate target of competing at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Fifteen-year-old Ben, who became the national indoor rowing junior 15 champion in November, has been tested by the national squad’s performance development manager, Peter Shakespear.

The tests, which took place at the Deal club’s headquarters last month, were part of the Amateur Rowing Association's World Class Start Programme.

Although most of Deal’s juniors were tested and produced some very promising results, Ben stood out with a set of results which placed him among the top rowers in the country at under-18 level.

Mr Shakespear said: “There are only 0.1 per cent of the population who have Ben’s natural talent. Our aim is to develop that talent so that Ben can maximise his potential.

“Ben has immense physical attributes and if things go as planned I definitely see him going to the Olympics in 2008. All we need to help him get there is the correct coaching and equipment.”

The camp for 16-year-olds and under, gives participants the chance to try a range of new equipment, receive quality coaching and rub shoulders with the stars of rowing.

A key to Ben’s success will be the ability to gain sponsorship, which will help purchase vital equipment for training, competition and trials. Top of his list is a new boat: Ben's family and club members are hoping to raise £3,000 for the boat, and they are looking for sponsors.