BUDDING gymnast Sophie Newbery is ready to test herself against the best in the country on her debut at the British Championships at Liverpool's Echo Arena this weekend.

The 15-year-old Woodhey High School pupil has qualified for the senior competition and will line up against the country's Olympic stars, Amy Tinkler and Claudia Fragapane, amongst others.

She will take part in four apparatus – the uneven bars, beam, vault and floor – on Saturday with the ultimate aim of making the final eight of the overall competition or an individual discipline on Sunday.

Whatever the outcome, Sophie's parents, Adrian and Dina, are pleased to see their daughter's dedication rewarded with a chance to shine on the biggest domestic stage the sport has to offer.

"This is the first time Sophie has qualified for the British Championships – at senior or junior level," said Dina.

"She broke her foot last year and was unable to compete in what would have been her final year at junior level.

"At 15, she is considered a senior in gymnastics, so this is obviously a big step up for her, but one she has given up so much to achieve and we are all so proud of her."

Sophie took up the sport aged six, when she joined Sparks in Heywood.

She moved to Bury Gymnastics Club before making the leap to City of Liverpool in 2015.

The high performance centre has been dubbed the "home of champions" after famously producing four of Team GB's five-strong team for the 2012 London Olympics, included Beth Tweddle.

Sophie currently trains alongside two Team GB stars – the country's youngest ever Olympian Rebecca Tunney and Tokyo 2020 hopeful Lucy Stanhope.

But while the sacrifices have been extreme – making the 60-mile round-trip five days a week to train in Liverpool – the Bury teenager says she is having the time of her life.

"I knew that to pursue my dreams I needed to train under a master coach," she said.

"It has been the best decision of my life and my future is looking very bright.

"Since joining Liverpool, I have gained so many new skills and combinations that I never thought I was capable of, which have helped me qualify for the British Championships

"To get the chance to compete alongside the likes of Olympic bronze medalist Amy Tinkler and Rio Olympian Claudia Fragapane is a dream come true.

"I am feeling more confident now – training alongside Britain’s best gymnasts and being coached by a master GB coach – that my gymnastics will go from strength to strength."

Sophie accepts, though, that her dedication has come at a cost.

"I train a minimum of 23 hours a week, which means I have to take two afternoons a week off school," she said.

"I do realise my education is important, especially as I am in year 10 now and studying for my GCSEs.

"But, thankfully, Woodhey High School are very supportive and help me juggle my school work and gymnastics."

The hard work has already paid off, with Sophie claiming all around silver medal at the Junior Challenge Cup and winning a team gold and individual floor gold at the Malta International since moving to Liverpool.

She has also qualified for the English Senior Championships, which will take place at Loughborough University at the start of April.

One major barrier to her future success, however, has been the financial burden placed on her family.

With no funding available for Sophie until she breaks into the GB squad, she recently sent a letter to local businesses asking for sponsorship to help her parents pay for mounting travel costs and competition expenses.

If you can help, send an email to Dina at g.newbery1@btinternet.com