Gravesend teenager Sophie Rowley helps England side win historic European silver medal in Mallorca, Spain

A teenager has helped her country claim an historic European silver medal.

Gravesend’s Sophie Rowley, 16, was part of the England squad which finished as runners-up at the CEP International Youth Tournament at Palma Del Mallorca, Spain. It was a first-ever championship medal won by an England junior team in the sport’s history.

“After the disappointment of missing out due to the pandemic, this year was very special as it’s my last year as a junior,” she said.

“I’m so proud of my team and what we achieved. We made history together.

“I’d personally like to thank my mentor Keith Atkinson, all my coaches, friends, family and also my sponsor, The Escalator Company LTD.

“All your help and belief made this dream come true.”

Dad Shaun Rowley added: “They did extremely well.

“It took a while to sink in but she’s well chuffed. They knew they were underdogs but they did brilliantly.”

Overall, 11 countries were involved and the England team - which also included Ella Slade, Francesca Evans-Jones and Jane Geddes - beat hosts Spain before they reached the final in the 11-16 age group. There, the side, coached by Hanna Griffin, lost to Turkey.

Shaun said: “Given it was in Mallorca, you can imagine the size of the crowd that gathered.”

Rowley certainly seemed to have enjoyed the overall feel at the tournament, too.

“It was exceptional,” her dad said. “They made some very good friends out there.

“In petanque, France and Spain dominate Europe.

“I think France has something like 300,000 registered members. In this country, I think it’s just over 2,000.”

The Mayfield Grammar School pupil had been putting the hours in during the build-up to the four-day event this month.

“Before the tournament, it was non-stop,” Shaun said.

“But on average