LOCAL hockey player, Tom Templeton, is set to take his game to another level, selected in the Victorian Under-13 team to play in Tasmania next month.

The 12-year-old, who plays in the Glenelg Region Hockey Association for College in Division 4 along with Coleraine in the Under-16 and Division 1 Men’s competitions, went through a nearly two-month process to get selected.

“I made the academy which meant I went through two assessments and they selected two teams of 14 fields players and two goalies and I was lucky enough to get into the top team,” he said.

“It is a fun opportunity to play against people who are a bit more advanced.

“I have definitely got better with keeping my eyes up while dribbling and my passes.”

Templeton plays as a sweeper and full back in the local competition and will test himself against the country’s best juniors in a matter of weeks.

“I will go to Hobart in week two of the school holidays to play,” he said.

“Definitely making new friends will be good and play against people around the same skill level at my age will be the best parts.”

While Templeton also plays football and cricket, hockey is his favourite sport and said playing with unfamiliar faces in a different environment will be a challenge.

“Bit nervous, bit different pitches and weather conditions down there as well,” he said.

With the big opportunity ahead, he is hoping to continue developing and reach the top level in years to come.

“Because I made the top team, I will get automatic entry into the (Hockey Victoria) Under-15 academy next year,” Templeton said.

“To play in the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, that would be the dream.

“Thanks to my parents for driving me down to Melbourne and my coaches.”