Blackpool schoolboy's big boost in snowboard glory bid

William Ashworth, a Year 8 pupil at Highfield Leadership Academy, is among the top snowboarders in the country for his age group and his Olympic ambitions have received a massive boost.

William, from Lytham Road, has won one of only five Chill Factore winter sport sponsorships.

The sponsorship entitles William to top training and coaching free of charge at the Chill Factore Indoor Dome in Manchester to help him achieve his goals.

The 13-year-old will also have opportunities to attend top snowsport events and meet the professionals.

William has been snowboarding since the age of nine,and his success in the national championships has brought him to the attention of Team GB.

He said: “I’ve always enjoyed snowboarding. I wanted to improve on my competition scores and my goal is to get on the podium of the British Championships next year.”

William has already won bronze and silver medals for snowcross at the English and British Championships, though freestyle remains his passion.

Proud dad Stephen took up the story: “It started when we went to Chill Factore when I was 50 and tried snowboarding. William took to it straight away and it became his obsession. He was better than me in three weeks.

“William is self-taught and has got on the podium at the national championships competing against older boys.

“He is up against children who go overseas to train but the sponsorship and access to the facilities in Manchester will really help him.”