Ben also started as a seven-year-old, at Quinton House School, and on Saturday monrings at Northampton Lions HC. He was a member of the Northamptonshire county side at U-12, U-13, U-14 and U-15 and represented the Midlands region in three U-13 tournaments at ages 10, 11 and 12.

He was selected for England U-16 in 2005/06 and won eleven caps playing in Invitational international tournaments and earning a bronze medal in the Europeans playing as vice captain.

Selection for England U-18 followed in 2007/08 bringing another seven caps, and a year later came a further accolade with selection for the U-21 England side and another 13 caps.

Ben captained England U-18 at the UK School Games in August 2008, carrying off the gold medals.

He was selected for England U-21 Junior World Cup training squad in
September ‘08 and for the Great Britain U-21 squad for the Australian Youth
Olympics.

Graham Griffiths of Beeston HC has said of him: “Ben has become a very
valuable member of our club. He coaches our junior members on Sunday
mornings and works with our Academy youngsters on Friday evenings. I have
employed him at Highfields Sports Club and he has become a valuable member
of staff willing to get stuck in with everything from bar work to cleaning pitches.
Ben is extremely focused on the task ahead: 2016 is a real possibility; 2012 a
dream that might come true.”