A teenager has helped her country claim an historic European silver medal.

Gravesend’s Sophie Rowley, 16, was part of the England petanque squad which finished as runners-up at the CEP International Youth Tournament at Palma Del Mallorca, Spain. It was a first-ever championship medal won by an England junior team in the sport’s history.

“After the disappointment of missing out due to the pandemic, this year was very special as it’s my last year as a junior,” she said.

“I’m so proud of my team and what we achieved. We made history together.

“I’d personally like to thank my mentor Keith Atkinson, all my coaches, friends, family and also my sponsor, The Escalator Company LTD.

“All your help and belief made this dream come true.”

Dad Shaun Rowley added: “They did extremely well.

“It took a while to sink in but she’s well chuffed. They knew they were underdogs but they did brilliantly.”

Overall, 11 countries were involved and the England team - which also included Ella Slade, Francesca Evans-Jones and Jane Geddes - beat hosts Spain before they reached the final in the 11-16 age group. There, the side, coached by Hanna Griffin, lost to Turkey.

Shaun said: “Given it was in Mallorca, you can imagine the size of the crowd that gathered.”

Rowley certainly seemed to have enjoyed the overall feel at the tournament, too.

“It was exceptional,” her dad said. “They made some very good friends out there.

“In petanque, France and Spain dominate Europe.

“I think France has something like 300,000 registered members. In this country, I think it’s just over 2,000.”

The Mayfield Grammar School pupil had been putting the hours in during the build-up to the four-day event this month.

“Before the tournament, it was non-stop,” Shaun said.

“But on average she’s playing twice a week, sometimes three times a week, including competitions.

“I’ve had to build a little piste in the back garden. She’s very committed.”

Rowley’s England training commitments are taking her right across the country, having played many times for Kent and winning three national titles

Shaun said: “It’s all over the country. A lot of it is in the Midlands and the South Coast. There’s lots of miles involved - and lots of Premier Inns!”

It was Sophie’s mum, Melissa, who first got her involved in the sport which she’s now played for nearly four years.

Shaun explained: “Her mum started a long time ago and the kids gave it a go.

“Sophie took to it like a duck to water! She’s done very well.”

But Rowley won’t be competing in the 11-16 age group for much longer.

“She will be moving up next year into the bigger age group,” her father said.

“That goes up to 23, I believe, so she will be the baby.”