Probably the best British export to reach Denmark

Aug 23 2006 Wirral News

TWO young athletes from Wirral are relocating to Denmark in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.

Chris McDermott, 17, and JonTrigg, 18, both former Plessington pupils, are moving to Danish handball academies in order to play the sport full time.

The boys will be attached to professional handball clubs, beginning six hard years of training as part of the first group of 10 players from all over Britain.

Handball is a minority sport in the UK, but in most European countries it is hugely popular.

Both Jon and Chris have playedfor Wirral Handball Club since they were primary school children, which is one of the strongest handball clubs in the UK.

Their travels with the club have taken them to play in such diverse places as Scotland, The Isle of Man, Belgium, Croatia and Italy.

They have also represented Merseyside in the regional GB championships and are England's two most capped junior players, with Jon having playedfor his country 31 times and Chris 35 times.

At 6'8", Chris is the tallest player in English handball and is a stalwart in the centre of defence.

Jon is widely recognised as the most agile and creative forward, often fashioning goals from seemingly hopeless positions.

Wirral handball club will undoubtedly miss twoof their rising stars, so anyone wishing to play handball would be welcomed.

The club website with contact details can be found in the club section of www.englandhandball.com