Young athlete of the year - Craig Howieson

Jun 29 2008 By Euan Mclean

IT started with a father-and-son knockabout on a homemade table but now Craig Howieson has set his sights on dining at the top table of world sport.

Aged just 18 the Edinburgh table tennis prodigy is rapidly building a reputation as one of the brightest prospects in his sport.

Now the latest people to sit up and take notice of Craig's progress are the experts on the voting panel for the Clydesdale Bank Athlete of the Month award.

The bank are strong supporters of Scotland's team for the Commonwealth Youth Games this October in Pune, India.

And the bank's inaugural awards scheme is designed to showcase the brightest young talents who are striving to make the squad.

Each month Commonwealth Games Scotland are asking coaches to nominate an athlete who has excelled at competitions.

A panel of expert judges debates the most deserving cases and each monthly winner receives £300 from Clydesdale Bank plus an additional £100 for their club.

That's a welcome financial boost for young athletes whose dedication often sees them travelling to competitions and training sessions at considerable expense.

Craig said: "It's great to be recognised for my achievements and the extra money from this award will go a long way towards helping the costs of competing.

"I have some big events coming up with the European Youth Championships in Italy this month and the European Seniors in Russia just before I go to Pune in October.

"So this money will be crucial in my preparations for more than just the Commonwealth Youth Games.

"My long term goal, however, is to compete at the London Olympics in 2012 and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014."

Craig was a popular candidate with the awards panel thanks to his outstanding progress.

He has been a member of the Scottish squad since 12 and recently put on a great display at the World Team Championships in China.

He won six out of 10 games to help Scotland win promotion to 8DA. Competition closes Division Two for the 2010 event.