EIGHTEEN months of dedication is starting to bear fruit for Warrnambool hockey player Callum Bridge.
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The 14-year-old's hard work in the goals for Technique and WestVic hockey clubs has resulted in him being named in his first Victorian squad for the upcoming Under 15 national championships held in Narellan, NSW, from April 8-14.
The talented hockey player, who travels to Ballarat and Melbourne weekly for training and games, said his spirits rose after he saw his name in the squad.
"I found out on Friday after school when dad came home from work. It was exciting because I had been working for this for 18 months," Bridge said.
The year nine Brauer College student said he enjoyed the goalkeeper role from the moment he put on the pads and helmet.
"I started as a goalkeeper in under 13s when people said 'nah I'm not playing (that position)'," he said.
"So I jumped in and I enjoyed it so I kept playing there. I just try to block everything out (when he is in goals)."
Bridge doesn't need to look far to find his inspiration for picking up a hockey stick and giving the sport a go.
"I take inspiration from dad (Mark) because he was a (Victorian) Premier League player," he said.
"He has always helped me from when I was young."
Bridge has followed in his father's footsteps taking up the important goalkeeping position.
The first-time state representative said he was hopeful of a start in the state's top team for the championships.
"We are in the process of figuring out if I am in the Vic team or the development team," Bridge said.
"Hopefully I can make the actual team and we can win the competition."
Bridge credited playing men's hockey for Technique in the Warrnambool and District Hockey Association and his time with WestVic's junior sides as important places for his recent improvement.
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