A sports student at Leeds Trinity University is targeting a medal at the Lifesaving European Championships in Italy this month.

19-year-old Martin Schofield, who studies Physical Education at Leeds Trinity, will compete in individual and pair events in both the pool and ocean at the Championships in Riccione, on the eastern coast of Italy. His events range from individual manikin carries and line throw to team relays and stimulated emergency response events.

He will represent the nation and his home club, Crawley Town, in the Open (18 years plus) category, and he's hoping to make his mark after being named in the 2018 GBR High Performance Lifesaving Squad and representing Great Britain at the World Championships in Australia last year.

"I am hoping to achieve a medal in the 12.5m line throw event," said Martin. "And hopefully, get the World Record and European Record.

"In the other events, I'd like to get into the finals in the pool events and place as high as I can in the beach events."

Since starting at Leeds Trinity last September, Martin has been training with Leeds Phoenix Lifesaving Club, and has been awarded a £375 bursary from the University's Inspiring Futures Programme to support his dual career.

Sarah Todd, Sport Development Manager at Leeds Trinity University, said: "We are delighted to support Martin and his involvement with the England Commonwealth Lifesaving Team. The European Championships in Italy provide an opportunity for Martin to step-up to the Open category and make his mark. We're looking forward to following his progress through the championships and supporting him throughout his studies at Leeds Trinity as a dual-career athlete."

The Lifesaving European Championships take place in Italy from Tuesday 17 to Monday 30 September 2019.

Find out more about the University'sInspiring Futures Programme? and if you're eligible for funding.