A young player from Atherton’s Junior Devils has been picked to represent the UK in one of the biggest inline hockey tournaments in the United States.

Eleven-year-old Jack Morton, a student at Holy Family College, has been selected to take part in the 25th Anniversary State Wars which takes place in St Louis in July.

As well as playing inline hockey for the Junior Devils, Heywood’s Jack also plays ice hockey for Leeds Junior Knights.

He said: “Being picked to represent my country makes me realise that the hard work is worth it.”

He took up the sport just over two years ago and trains four times a week for ice or inline hockey, and once a week with a strength and conditioning coach.

Jack’s mum, Helen Morton, said: “Jack wanted to start before covid, but with the restrictions he had to wait.

“He now spends most of his week training and weekends playing games, while during the holidays he is on an ice or line camp somewhere in the country.”

Helen is currently trying to raise funds for the cost of the once-in-a-lifetime trip and has set up a GoFundMe page for travel, tournament fees, equipment, and accommodation at https://www.gofundme.com/f/JM89-International-2024.

Jack has autism, but with the help and support of his family and coaches, inline hockey has really shaped him as a person.

The youngster said: “It has given me more confidence, friends, and taught me the importance of teamwork.”

Mum Helen added: “Jack has worked through many challenges to achieve what he has so far; with his autism and sensory processing, we used to have a few meltdowns with the amount of kit that is needed.

“Because he is so driven to be the best he can, it’s enabling him to overcome challenges he wouldn’t normally face.”

Jack is also a reserve for Team GB for a tournament in Spain later this year.