Morgan Coleman and Reece Slaven were each given $500 out of a share of $8000 the federal government has offered to sportsmen and women under 18 years who have competed at state or national sporting competitions. Morgan was a successful applicant having representated at a range of PSSA, state and national hockey events.

Twelve-year-old Morgan and her mum, Fiona applied for the grants in July while filling out paperwork for a PSSA Hockey event. They admit that they both forgot about the application until they received the money and a congratulatory letter from MP Rob Oakeshott in December.

With representative sport often come extra expenses associated with travelling and participating in events like accommodation, uniforms and sporting equipment. Morgan has previously travelled as far as Melbourne to represent her state.

“The Australian Sports Commission grants help youngsters and their families meet the costs associated with representative competition at state or national titles,” Mr Oakeshott said.

“Those costs are quite significant for teenagers from regional areas and can often mean the difference between pursuing their sporting dreams and forgoing them.”

The grant has already been put to good use, paying for a hockey talent camp in Wyong coming up in April where five players from the Manning area were nominated to attend.

Morgan has been playing hockey since she was five-years-old, and through hard work, dedication and passion has gone on to represent her region in Manning PSSA team and her State in the national schools sport Australian Championship in Melbourne. She has recently been selected in the country team for the City Country under 13s competition which will be played in March. This achievement has been received well by Morgan and her family who are excited for her to be recognised as a hockey player outside of school competitions.