TALENTED pin king Euan Coote is aiming for a memorable strike when he competes for his country in Europe later this month.

The 15-year-old, from Duloch, is one of four tenpin bowlers that have been selected to represent Scotland at the European Tenpin Bowling Federation European Youth Championships, which take place in Aalborg, Denmark, from March 24 to April 2.

A total of 60 girls and 90 boys from 28 countries, including England, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, will attend and compete in singles, doubles and team events.

It will be the biggest tournament of fourth year Woodmill High School pupil Euan's fledging career in the sport, which has already seen him medal for Scotland at 'Triple Crown' events – which bring together the best competitors from Scotland, England and Ireland at under-16 and under-19 level – and be crowned the Scottish Association of Youth Bowling Clubs (SAYBC) National Junior Singles champion.

He's set to go head-to-head with youngsters up to the age of 18 after meeting strict criteria that made him eligible for selection.

Proud mum Fiona told Press Sport: "We found out about the whole trip before Christmas and that he'd been picked. It's brilliant and he's so excited.

"They play in Scottish tournaments over the year and have to have a minimum score of 180, on average. He's grown a lot, which puts his timings out, and has had to get used to new equipment, but he went into the last tournament and knew what he had to do.

"He got the 180 so made the criteria. Four of them got picked and it has been one of his goals for a long time so he's delighted."

She continued: "He is training every Saturday and Sunday and there's a lot more to it than people realise.

"When you see the coaches working with them, you can see they know what they're talking about. Releasing the ball at a certain time, or even adjusting your feet in a particular way, makes a big difference.

"He's got a really good relationship with his coach, which is important, and this is the biggest competition that he's competed in. He's made it quicker than he thought; in the team he's in, he's the youngest at 15, one of the boys is 16 and the other two are 18.

"Euan's potentially got another three years at this tournament, so he has time ahead to be picked again and come back and know what he needs to work on and what level he needs to get to.

"He did say to me, 'Mum, wouldn't it be amazing if some us make the finals?', and there's no reason why they can't if they have the right attitude."

Euan will take time out of school to attend the competition, and Fiona added: "He's in his fourth year and will be coming back to exams three or four weeks after he's back but the school have been great.

"They've been very supportive and nothing has been a problem.

"He's very excited for it and I'm really excited for him."

Euan and his family have been fundraising towards the costs of his trip and are on the lookout for sponsorship.

If anybody would be interested in sponsoring Euan, contact Press Sport and we will put you in touch.