Scores of junior athletes, such as Canberra-based hockey player Pat Keir, are achieving their sporting goals with funding and support from the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).

The ASC’s Local Sporting Champions grants provide a tremendous boost for junior athletes in meeting the costs of competing in state and national sporting events, including travel, accommodation, equipment and uniform expenses.

Pat used his grant to cover the costs of travel and accommodation when representing the Australian Capital Territory at the Australian men’s under-18 championships held in Darwin from 26 May to 6 June 2009.

‘The funding provided a major boost in covering my travel and accommodation expenses,’ said Pat. ‘This performance led to me being identified by a talent scout from Hockey Australia and selected in the national development program.

‘As part of the development program, I was thrilled to get an opportunity to represent Australia in an international tour of matches against China from 28 September to 9 October.’

Pat continues making progress through the national development pathway, which is a stepping stone to higher levels of competition.

He began playing hocket at the age of nine with his sister Caitlin, at St Patrick’s Hockey Club in Canberra, where he gained valuable experience from local club-based competition.

After joining the ACT Academy of Sport hockey program in 2008, Pat’s first big break came when he was selected play for the Australian under-17 men’s hockey team in an international tour against South Africa in August 2008.

Pat has just returned from watching the Australian Kookaburras win their tenth Champions Trophy at the State Netball Hockey Centre in Melbourne.

Pat’s goal now is to play for the Canberra Lakers in the national hockey league and eventually to represent Australia.

Applications are now open for the 2009–10 Local Sporting Champions grant cycle.