Team GB chief Mark England targets 20 medals at EYOF

 GREAT Britain chef de mission Mark England has set his sights on at least 20 medals from his young charges at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Tampere, Finland.

HIGH HOPES: Team GB head to Finland with plenty of medal hopes, says chef de mission Mark England

England will oversee his 11th Youth Olympic Festival and will lead 62 athletes, aged 13-17 to Scandinavia, intent on improving on the medal haul of 23 - including nine golds - secured by the class of 2007 in Belgrade.

Great Britain are set to compete across six sports at the biennial tournament that provided the perfect platform for the likes of double gold medallist Rebecca Adlington to make their mark on the senior Olympic stage.

And England is convinced the five-day festival is sure to unearth a handful of British Olympic champions of London 2012 and beyond.

"The vast majority of this squad will be making their Great Britain debuts - perhaps just one or two have done so before but it's certainly a very inexperienced squad.

"But athletes at that age nowadays are still very well adjusted to competition and while a lot of them have not done so internationally, it will not be a huge step up for them.

"And the chance to wear the Olympic rings and the responsibility that brings will play a huge role in the development of these athletes.

"To have been the chef de mission for previous editions and see the likes of Rebecca Adlington come through the ranks and go all the way to the top is extremely satisfying.

"But while that's fantastic, my job is to look after the team in the here and now and we head to Finland intent on being successful there, not just looking to the future.

"And with regards to this tournament there is no reason the team cannot get at least 20 medals and go even further than we did last time out."

Great Britain played host to European Youth Olympic Festival 14 years ago in Bath, but have not done so since.

Soon to be added to the international junior calendar is the Youth Olympic Games, with the inaugural event to be staged in Singapore next year.

And England hopes the London 2012 legacy will result in another major international junior competition coming to British shores in the near future.

"We have to accept London 2012 for what it is and realise that a lot of emphasis will be place on youth," added England.

"There is no better catalyst for feeding sporting success and we must make the most of this fantastic opportunity.

"Hopefully when the chance comes round to bid for some of the competitions comes round, Great Britain will stake their claim."

The British Olympic Association selects, runs and manages Team GB at the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. It promotes the Olympic Movement, enhances athlete success and develops Olympic sports in the UK - www.olympics.org.uk