Two table tennis stars of the future are celebrating after being named in the England youth squad for the second season in succession.

Purley youngster Isabelle Joubeily, 15, and 14-year-old James Smith, a pupil at Whitgift School, from Orpington, have been selected among 17 names for the development group, alongside the 14-strong performance group.

Table Tennis England announced the squad following an application process and a series of assessments held over the summer.

During the 2015-16 season, the players will all attend monthly sessions at the National Sports Centre at Lilleshall as well as having regular contact and support from the national coaching staff.

Table Tennis England’s head of coaching and performance, Simon Mills, said: “We have expanded the squad this year from 28 to 31 youngsters this season and will be supporting them as much as possible to give them a chance to succeed on the international stage.

“We will also have a number of additional players in an observation group and will monitor their progress.

“We are excited to see how these young players develop.”

The players have signed an agreement which sets out their commitments to the programme, including training, fitness and behaviour criteria.

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James Smith