Antonio Counihan earns a spot in GB Development squad
Dec 10 2009 by Ian Johnson, Birmingham Mail
MORE good news for Antonio Counihan from the Eastside club.
He has been moved into the GB Development squad which takes him yet another step closer to competing in the London Olympics.
The 18-year-old captain of the England team received a letter this week congratulating him on his promotion.
His dad, and Eastside coach Paul, said: “What brilliant news. It means he will receive a grant from the GB squad and he will start his new responsibilities on January 1.
‘‘He will go to the headquarters in Sheffield for four days every fortnight and will receive specialised coaching from the likes of Robert McCracken and Richie Woodhall.
“He is in Ireland at the moment representing England and when he returns he will get as much international experience as possible in the hope he can move up into the Podium squad.’’
Eastside have a special Christmas show at the Birmingham Holliday Inn on December 20.
It will be a tournament between Eastside and clubs from all round the country with at least six England internationals featuring.
Tickets are available from Counihan on 0976735729.
Khan in Brum
AMIR “King” Khan, the WBA light-welterweight sensation, is in Birmingham tomorrow.
He is a guest of JJB Sports and will be at their shop in Corporation Street at 4.30pm.
He will also be running his eye over some Small Heath ABC members who have been invited to put on a display for the special event.
Small Heath coach Paddy Benson said: “It will be fantastic for our lads to meet Amir Khan and to show him what they can do.
“It is also a way for us to say thanks to the Home Office, who have given us a grant of £10,000 a year for three years for our efforts in the community of Ladywood and Nechells against gun and knife crime.
“It is also a big help for us getting the club back on its feet after it was gutted by fire two years ago.’’
■ John Costello’s plans for a Chelmsley Wood spectacular this Sunday have been scuppered.
Several of his top lads have had to pull out so he has postponed the show until Juanuary 10.
