Volleyball

Bragg, who is a playmaker or setter, was an integral part of the squad that took on a host of Italian sides in Venice over the festive period.

They jetted out on Boxing Day and took on the under-20s from Serie A professional club Padua A just two hours after touching down.

The match was played as a warm-up to the local derby match Sisley Treviso v Padua, which featured 20 full internationals and is Italian volleyball's equivalent of the Liverpool v Manchester United football match.

Undaunted by the 4,000 crowd England opened up a 1-0 after winning the first set 22-21, but an injury to their middle blocker understandably rocked Bragg and co.

Ultimately they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat, although there were plenty of positives for the young England team, not least some impressive serving from Bragg.

During the tour the Kidderminster teenager won his 20th cap and played a major part as England won four of their eight games from teams across the Trento region.

They also had a "scrimmage" training game at the Benetton Ghirada sport city with the Sisley Treviso Under-20s side who are all full-time paid professionals.

England coach Keith Trenam complemented Bragg on his performance saying he would not look out of place in the Treviso team.

Earlier that day the squad had visited the Palaverde Green Palace, the Sisley Treviso home court, to watch their superstars training.

The team's next continental experience will be when they travel to Sarajevo in Bosnia in April in an attempt to qualify for the European championships.

Bragg's father Pete said son Sam felt privileged to play in Italy and was determined to show their discerning public just what he and the team could do.

"The boys get together one weekend a month and have no lottery funding to support them," he said.

"They were up against teams from full-time academies at multi-million pound clubs, sponsored by the likes of the Benetton empire.

"All in all the tour was a great success and has prepared the boys well."