CHAMP IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Whiting Comp bigger and better for the children of Hervey Bay and be able to offer extensions from the competition for keen youngsters to learn more.

“Thank you the RSL Grants Committee for all you do in the community. It certainly doesn't go unnoticed.”

To join the club or follow their events, find them on Facebook or visit herveybayamateur fishingclub.com.au

MOVE over Falcao there’s a new Futsal champion in town!

The 10-year-old autistic boy left school at the age of seven due to severe anxiety and disruptive behaviours.

Not long after Tobias started attending Bayside Martial Arts and his development just blossomed, said mum, Simone.

“Karate has been an amazing support for Tobias helping him develop confidence, discipline and respect,” Simone said.

“Without a doubt I am sure that his calmness, decrease in anxiety and ability to interact in a respectful way is due to what he has learnt and achieved through the dojo.”

Tobias now trains several times a

“Without this grant Tobias would not have been able to attend the championships,” Simone said.

“It is such a huge achievement for him to have been selected and shows how committed he is to the sport and how far he has come since starting his training.

“Receiving this grant and allowing Tobias to enter the championship will help to continue his personal development.”

Tobias achieved some amazing results after placing silver with his team doing a synchronized Kata and a bronze medal for his individual Kata.

“I am amazingly proud of the resilience he showed.”

Hervey Bay's Lucas Mills is one step closer to fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional futsal player after returning triumphant from representing Australia in Hawaii last month.

The 11-year-old was chosen for the team based on his standout performance at the National Club Futsal Championships held in Brisbane last year

After 12 days of playing 808 Futsal against other Under 11 American teams, Lucas and his team were crowned champions of the tournament.

Mum Rebecca said the win was an extraordinary effort with a lot of uncertainty going into the competition.

“The team members and coach didn't know each other prior to the tour and trained together over in Hawaii, around the tournament,” she said.

“Lucas scored four goals over the tournament and he is only 11!

“He has a dream to become a professional football player and continues to train hard daily”

That dream could be realised one day soon with Lucas catching the eye of London-based coaches at the Regional and National Westham Football camps in Australia last year

“His hard work is paying off and he has recently been selected to go to the Westham UK Development Tour in September 2023.

“He is very excited!”

The Hervey Bay RSL was proud to support Lucas' dream of playing for Australia with a $1500 Community Grant to help cover costs associated with the big trip.