The Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association (CWWA) is to host the International Federation of Celtic Wrestling (IFCW) ‘European Espoirs Championships’ in Penrith this April.

Teams of 16-20 year old males and females from Scotland, Brittany, León in Spain, Austria, Hungary and Iceland together with our England team will compete at the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School on weekend of April 7-8.

Having brought home three gold medals and three silvers at the last event in Austria, the England team is hoping for great things.

The Championships consist of two styles of wrestling; Backhold (the recognisable Cumbrian style) and Gouren, a jacket style, practised in Brittany.

Spencer Hannah of event sponsor Herdy said: “Traditional wrestling is synonymous with Cumbria and we are proud to support this important event which has such deep heritage in our area. Our Great British Herdy will be having a makeover especially for the occasion and we are currently making a rather large pair of shorts for Herdy to sport over the weekend. We hope Herdy brings the England team good luck for the weekend!”

Penrith Town Council will welcome the visiting countries with a civic reception at the George Hotel, Penrith on the evening of Friday April 6. Accommodation for visitors will be provided at Newton Rigg Campus.

An opening ceremony will start the programme on Saturday April 7 with teams parading the arena with their flags. Before the Championships begin all competitors will swear the Breton wrestler’s oath.

Entry to the event is free to all on both competition days.

For further information please contact Roger Robson on 016974 73559 or

roger.robson@btinternet.com