A trio of Kent Phoenix players have earned Great Britain recognition - including a relative rookie.

Lucas Apps, 16, only took up American football six months ago but has proved a natural talent as a defensive lineman.

His progress has been rewarded with a call-up to GB under-17 training following trials in Bristol.

“Lucas has got natural ability and he’s also really coachable,” said Lee Parsons, chairman of Maidstone-based Phoenix.

“He listens to what you’re telling him to do and puts those plans into action.”

Apps will be joined in the under-17 squad by fellow 16-year-old Calvin Clark.

A Phoenix player for five years, he’s just completed his first season of kitted football and has been called up as a cornerback by the GB selectors.

“He’s gone from flag football to kitted football and thrived,” said Parsons.

“It’s something he loves, he thinks about it 24/7 and he works so hard. It’s a real shot in the arm for him.”

Jake Horne has followed in brother and former Kent player Charlie’s footsteps by securing a GB call-up.

At only 17, he'll be one of the younger players in the under-19 squad.

Parsons said: “He joined us because his older brother played and their dad, Matt, coaches here, so it’s a real family thing.

“Jake’s got in as a linebacker and is another one lives and breathes the sport. He’s an exceptional talent.

“These call-ups are a real boost for the club.

“It proves to us we’re doing something right and the kids have responded to that.”

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