THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD futsal champion Jack Herd will fulfill a lifelong dream when he heads to the United Kingdom this month to represent Australia on an international tour.
The Redlands College student - who picked up the sport at the tender age of five - currently plays at Mount Gravatt and Oxley as well as helping out with the newly-formed Redlands Bayside Futsal Club.
His selection for the 19-day international tour came after he impressed selectors at the Australian Futsal Association national championships at Sydney in January.
Earlier this month, he also competed at a national schools tournament, where he was selected to go to Brazil in 2020.
Between school and training, Herd has also been working hard refereeing for the local futsal club, mowing lawns and collecting cans and bottles to fund his overseas journeys.
Mother Emma Herd said he was aiming to raise $1000 by Christmas.
"He loves going reffing but it means even more to him now to have that extra money in his pocket," she said.
"All my family are (from the UK) and my husband's too so (the trip) will be really special for him, and he's really proud to be representing Australia."
Division 1 councillor Wendy Boglary said the Redlands was proud of Herd's achievements.
"We are very proud of your focus with your practice and dedication to reach this athletic level...but also your sportsmanship and ethics to assist other players," she said.
"We wish you every success in the upcoming tournament."