TWO members of Kent Exiles’ junior team have been called up to represent Great Britain Lions in September’s European junior championships.

Joe Mulvihill has been playing American Football since 2008 when he joined the Exiles’ youngest squad for players aged 14 to 16.

Playing both the offensive and defensive line, Mulvihill has progressed to be the most consistent player on the Exiles’ junior team, often dominating opposition players on both sides of the ball.

Mulvihill said: “I just turned up four years ago and the club is great, it really gives you an opportunity to progress.

“I'm really happy with my performance at the trials, and now I'm looking forward to making the club proud.”

Lanre Agbaje gets the call after playing only one season with the team in the 16 to 19 age group, showing what can be done with dedication and a willingness to learn and dedicate himself to learning a new game.

Playing as defensive back, Agbaje has impressive speed and an ability to make turn games.

The European junior championships pit the best sides in Europe against each other and the young Exiles will be facing teams from Serbia, Switzerland, Holland and hosts Italy in their group, where they will be hoping to qualify for the finals round.

Kent Exiles’ junior head coach Paul Samartin was full of praise for his young charges.

He said: “I'm really pleased for Joe and Lanre, they are both really good players that the GB coaches are lucky to have on the squad.

“I'm also really pleased for the club, as it shows the quality of players we have and that the coaching staff have done a great job in turning kids who have never played the game before into international selections.”

For more information on the club, visit kentexiles.co.uk

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