Teen tug of war farmers set to take on the world

Kitty and Joe, both 17, will represent England with their teammates in September

A team of young farmers say they are thrilled to get through to a global tug of war contest after winning a national competition - despite them only forming the team three months ago.

The teenagers from Sheen Farmers Tug of War Juniors, in Staffordshire, told BBC Radio Stoke it was "amazing" to have achieved gold in the 520kg event in Tonbridge, Kent.

The youngsters take on the best in the world at the Tug of War World Outdoor Championships in Nottingham in September.

"There's something about it gives you a thrill," said 17-year-old Kitty.

"The training's so hard but once you've won, it's just so special."

Sheen's coach, Paul Harris, rallied the team together in March 2025, welcoming members from Congleton, Flash and the surrounding farming communities.

“In terms of teamwork, they’re absolutely fantastic,” praised Mr Harris.

“We seem to have square pegs in square holes on the rope positions.”

Tom, 18, echoed those comments and cannot believe the team won a national competition so soon after forming.

“We‘ve only just got together this year but we’ve gelled really well,” he smiled.

The team were formed three months ago

Victory in June was the first national win for the Sheen club since 2012 and their first junior win since 2002.

Competitor Kitty, 17, said mental strength had been more important to them than physical strength in their success.

"You've got to have a very strong mindset but once you've got there and you've done it, you feel really good about yourself," she said.

Like most of the team, Kitty had her first taste of the tug of war through Young Farmers events at the age of 12 and said she now relished competing on the world stage.

The team will face competition from Taipa, South Africa and Switzerland at the World Outdoor Championships in Nottingham on 4-7 September.