TWELVE-year-old Benjamin Cox from Inverell has achieved a major milestone by attending 100 Auskick sessions.
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Inverell Auskick Centre co-ordinator Warwick Bedford said Ben started playing the sport in Inverell with his brother Logan and sister Kaitlin when he was five-years-old. “His mum Jo says he couldn’t wait to be involved,” Bedford said.
“Ben says he loves it. It’s fun and he has learnt lots of skills that have helped him in other sports like cricket, soccer and rugby league.
“He’s made lots of friends and has been part of lots of awesome experiences.”
Ben said the best experience he had were his first trip to Sydney in 2008, playing on the SCG and the later trips to the Gold Coast, where he played on Metricon stadium.
Inverell coaching co-ordinator Gerry Taveira said Ben was a great example to the other kids.
“He listens well, tries hard and helps the younger kids,” Traveira said.
AFL NSW/ACT Northern regional manager Rob McKelvie said 100 sessions was a fantastic milestone that really demonstrated Ben’s love of the game.
“The AFL and the TAFL need to work hard to develop a junior pathway for Ben and others to continue their involvement in the game,” Mr McKelvie said.
This year Ben made the state trials for AFL in his age group for the Catholic school system.
Looking ahead, he wants to participate in the Northern Inland Academy of Sport AFL Under 14 squad next year.
His goal is to play AFL professionally, ideally for his favourite team the Sydney Swans.