Becky Kershaw from Hurstleigh Drive in Heysham, along with Rebecca Benson from Bowerham in Lancaster and Alex Rutlidge, also from Lancaster, are all hoping to make the squad to compete for the European Trophy in Manchester next month.

Eighteen-year-old Becky is currently on the senior squad with Becky and Alex.

She is still eligible for the junior squad, which Becky is also on.

Becky, who is studying education and psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University said: "It's a punishing schedule with uni as well.

"I train four mornings a week from 6am until 7.45am in the pool, then from 8am until 9am in the gym. I do uni during the day, and then from 6pm until 7.45pm, I train again.

"We have weekends off."

Becky, Rebecca and Alex do legwork and swimming in the pool, along with tactical movements for strength and endurance.

A water polo match has four periods of eight minutes, with breaks after the first quarter.

Becky first got into water polo through Lancaster City swimming club when she was 12 and 13-years-old.

She has known Rebecca and Alex all that time.

She said: "The three of us are hoping to make the team but I think realistically Alex will make it.

"Me and Becky are fighting for places and I'm the youngest person on the squad, so I'm maybe being a little bit adventurous to be picked.

"Maybe next year is more likely! I'd be pleased for the other two if they got through.

"We all work hard for it – all three of us went to the World League Water Polo championship in May and competed against teams from Greece, Germany and Russia."

* The LEN Women's European Trophy will be held at the Aquatics Centre in Manchester between July 7 and 12.