South Yorkshire teenager's dream of playing hockey for Team GB

Evan Coles, a fire cadet at Stocksbridge fire station, is hoping to be in Los Angeles this July at the AAU Junior Olympics.

However, to get there he needs to raise over £1,000 - and is asking for help from members of the public.

Evan, who is now 17, said: “The team is made up of players from all four of the home nations. To be asked to represent my country is a real honour and something that all sports people strive for during their lifetime. It comes at a cost though, as I need to raise £1,500 to cover my equipment and travel.”

The event will last for eight days, and the team will take part in a minimum of 10 games in international and club tournaments.

Fire service youth engagement officer Nicola Hobbs said: “This is the chance of a lifetime for Evan, we are all really proud of him.

“He has been a fire cadet for nearly three years and has grown in confidence over this time. He is a well respected and dedicated member of the Stocksbridge Fire Cadet team. We will all be rooting for him this summer and wish him all the best.”

Fire Cadets learn firefighting skills and techniques from instructors to develop practical, life and communication skills. For more information, including how to become a Cadet, email Nicola Hobbs at [email protected].

Visit Jason Coles Just Giving Page to make a donation.