Reading Rockets Under 16 player David Obediah has been called up to the National team to represent his country at this year’s European Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria in a few days time.
The 15 year old had a successful domestic season which culminated in league and play-off runners up medals for the Rockets Under 18 team, an age group three years his senior. The student-athlete, who attends the John Madejski Academy, made it through every stage of the England trials before being named as a reserve in the final 14 players. However, after a number of good camps and tournaments leading up to the final selection, the Reading born guard/forward was picked by Head Coach Alan Keane for the final 12, and the young star could not be happier.

In speaking about his selection to the national team, a very humble Obediah said,

[su_quote]I am really happy to be chosen to represent the England Under 16 team and it should be a great experience to go and play in the European Championships in a few days time. My progression over the last three years has been good but there is still a long way for me to go at both club and national level and after the tournament I will come back and work even harder to improve. Whatever role I play for the team I’m sure I will enjoy and it will give me a chance to experience the next level and where my game is in comparison to that.[/su_quote]

Reading Rockets and John Madejski Academy Director of Coaching Matt Johnson was thrilled to hear of Obediah’s selection and feels it is a great reward for one of the hardest working players in the club. In speaking ahead of the 15 year old’s departure to the European championships, Johnson said,

[su_quote]David has always been a winner with his attitude and the way he has approached getting better. Since year 7, David has decided that he can get better and he has trained consistently too with a wonderful approach to the sport and those around it. David is one of the best listeners we have had at the Academy and he has certainly shone in the classroom too. It’s a good step for David to make the England Under 16 squad but he is also aware that his journey is only just beginning too. We are incredibly proud of David but not just for this honour.[/su_quote]