A TEENAGE member of a trampoline club in Bordon was named the Satellite Club’s South East winner 2016 in recognition of his sporting achievements.

EJ Magoncia, a 17-year-old member of Swallows Trampoline Club - which meets at Mill Chase Leisure Centre in Bordon - visited the Houses of Parliament on Monday, October 24, to receive his award.

He was accompanied by his parents, Irene and Leandro, coach Sam Cartwright and Priya Samuel from Energise Me (formerly Sport Hampshire and the Isle of Wight). Despite having severe autism, epilepsy and selective mutism, his ability is described by coaches as “outstanding”.

He and coach Sam Cartwright have “a very special relationship” and have created a unique bond.

Satellite Clubs are a National Lottery-funded Sport England initiative.

Using different venues, such as colleges and community facilities, to offer an invaluable experience in a range of sports, the scheme helps young people, who may not be regularly active or who may lack the confidence or the skills, to get involved in sport.

According to Energise Me, by 2017 every secondary school in Hampshire will be offered a Satellite Club for community sports on its site.

EJ’s mother Irene said: “EJ being physically active and mentally active is important to us so that he can interact with other people outside school.”

Energise Me Satellite Club’s development manager Priya Samuel said: “Delivering sport for the community, in the community, is key to engaging young people in, what I hope to be, lifelong sporting participation. Fun, coupled with developing new skills, has enabled EJ to grow as a person.

“The dedication and commitment of the Swallows Trampolining Club team is one to champion and for the whole club to be proud of.”

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds said: “EJ is a fantastic inspiration for young people in East Hampshire thinking about getting active. Satellite Clubs offer young people the chance to learn something new, uncover hidden depths and realise new talents. Swallows Trampolining Club has made provision to include EJ at club sessions and we are proud to support its work.”

EJ is one of 430,286 young people who have attended 9,348 Satellite Clubs across England since 2012.

Swallows Club secretary Lynn Joyce said: “EJ never misses a session - he just loves to bounce and he is very good at it.”

Swallows Trampoline Club was recently awarded the official I’M IN accreditation from British Gymnastics for the work it does with young disabled people.

It is one of only 10 clubs in the country to achieve this.