FOR 13-year-old Rhys Mackinder, playing hockey is more than just about scoring goals – it's also about having fun on the field with mates and rivals.
After an outstanding performance at the U13 State Indoor Team Challenge held in Maryborough last month, Rhys was selected to represent Queensland in his age group at the upcoming Indoor Australian Championships, to be held in Wollongong in January.
It is the fifth time the Birkdale boy has been chosen to compete at a national level, with past spots scored last year and this year in the U12 and U13 Queensland field and indoor hockey teams.
The talented teen said he couldn’t wait to meet up with mates at the upcoming indoor championships.
"It is a good opportunity for me to catch up with some of the friends I made in the previous year’s team, as we all come from all over Queensland,” he said.
Rhys, who is a member of both the Redlands and Gold Coast hockey associations and the South Brisbane Indoor Hockey League, said his developing talent and love of the game was all thanks to his coaches.
“Every coach has taught me something different which has helped my hockey progress from year to year,” he said.
He is now working to improve his ‘drag-flicking’ technique.
“It is a great skill to have when your team is awarded a penalty corner,” he said.
Rhys has also been invited to the U15 boys state trials in February.