Minster teenager James Goldsmith has earned a place in the 16-player England under-18 pool squad.

The reigning Kent junior champion now faces a final internal trial which will decide the six players who will represent the England team and also compete in the under-18 World Championships.

The top 64 under-18s in the country competed against each other in Leicester during the England trials, with a ‘Swiss Style’ format which gave each player three lives, with the hope of whittling down the best 16 players by the end of the day.

From his first five matches, Goldsmith, 16, won three and lost two, meaning he couldn’t afford to lose again. He won his sixth match to maintain his hopes before winning twice more during the second phase.

In the third and final phase, Goldsmith met a player from Cornwall and a 3-0 victory secured his place in the 16 to ensure he claimed his place as an England international.

The next challenge for the Fulston Manor School pupil will be to now try and make the final six.

Goldsmith is sponsored by several local companies to help with entry fees, travel and accommodation, with Medichem Properties, Nicholls Transport, SKJ Steel Services, Energy Consultancy Ltd and PNJ Services Ltd helping the youngster maintain his challenge along with Charlie and Carl at Neptune Sports Lounge and Chris White of Darts Orakel.

His achievements to date include the under-18 national championship with Kent and a perfect record at the 2023 national finals of 16 wins from 16.

Goldsmith has plenty to look forward to this year as he will be looking to help Kent defend their national under-18 title in March and also challenge for the under-23 crown. He has also been entered on the national under-25 tour, with five events across the country.