Aspiring Manx rugby player Patreece Bell is looking to raise £6,000 so he can continue to train with Sale Sharks’ academy.

The Castle Rushen student will use the money to cover the costs incurred travelling to and from the Premiership club’s Manchester base for training and games.

Isle of Man rugby development officer Chris Brannigan said: ’Patreece is a great kid and has shown tremendous commitment to working towards his long-term goals already.

’He is a talented rugby player, but has impressed me most with his desire to improve and take opportunities. I was really impressed when he told me about his plan to raise funds to reach his goals, especially coming from a 16-year-old boy, it shows great maturity.’

A justgiving.com page set up to help Patreece collect funds has already raised just over £2,000.

The talented teen also intends to undertake a unique indoor rowing challenge this weekend to help him reach his goal.

The Isle of Man sevens player will be rowing the distance from his home of Port St Mary to the Sale Sharks’ training ground in Carrington (172.69km) over the course of 24 hours. The challenge gets under way at Body Craft Fitness in Castletown this Saturday morning at 7am.

Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/patreecebelliomrugby