The British Judo Association has announced an 11-strong team to compete in the U23 European Championships, held from the 19 th -21 st November in Sarajevo, Bosnia.

Winning a bronze medal at the event last year, Ashley McKenzie returns to contest the -60kg weight category. The Londoner has seen recent success at the Swedish Open where he won a gold medal, and earlier this year won gold medals at the British Open and German European Cup.

2008 U23 bronze medal winner Gemma Howell has been selected again to contest the -57kg weight category. Howell has been on form since her return from injury in May, winning gold medals at the British Open, Slovenian European Cup and Orenburg European Cup and training full time at the British Judo Performance Institute.

Also competing again this year after finishing in 7th place in 2009 is Kate Walker (-63kg) and Jan Gosiewski (-73kg). Kimberley Renicks (-48kg) was forced to withdraw last year due to a shoulder injury, but will make her final appearance at the event this year.

Three younger players, Lewis Keeble (-66kg), Josh Butler (-100kg) and Kelly Edwards (-52kg, have been selected to compete for GB.

All three have gained significant experience this year at various events on the World circuit. Edwards, who usually fights at -48kg, competed in the Senior World and European Championships this year and “didn’t look out of place amongst the senior fighters,” said Head Coach Patrick Roux.

Completing the line-up are Theo Spalding-McIntosh (-90kg), who was absent from the line-up last year due to a knee injury, Megan Fletcher (-70kg) and David Groom (-81kg).

Groom has been working hard after an academic break from the sport. He has been training full-time for the past year between Bacup and Kendal Judo Clubs and visiting the BJPI for various training camps.

Performance Operations Manager Karen Roberts said, “ This event will provide an opportunity for these transition players to connect to a strong International level in preparation for their senior careers.

“For the younger players this is a good event to build on their performance at junior level and develop for the future.”