Jacob Roulstone is taking the motorcycling world by storm.

The sixteen-year-old from Jamberoo, NSW has become the first Australian in his class to win the FIM CEV European Talent Cup at the international championships, held in Portugal this year.  As well as finishing the season in Valencia with two races and two podiums – 2^nd and 3^rd, which placed him 9^th overall in the championship from an entry of over 60 riders.

A recipient of the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champions (LSC) program, Jacob is one of many aspiring young athletes who have received a grant to support their participation in a sporting championship.

‘It was amazing for me to start off the 2021 season with the win,’ said Jacob.

‘My ultimate goal is to compete at the MotoGP level. This is the equivalent of competing at the Olympic Games – the highest level in the sport,’ he said. 

‘The FIM CEV championship provides a pathway for juniors to achieve this. All the highest-level juniors from around the world come to Spain to compete.

‘My family have spent countless hours travelling Australia and Asia for me to compete. In 2020, my mum and I moved to Spain so I could live, train and compete in the championship with my team,’ noted Jacob.

‘Due to the pandemic, we did not see family and friends until Christmas. Mum and I have done the same thing again this year.

This move overseas, along with my training, shows the commitment I have to my sport - this is where I need to be,’ he said.

The LSC program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12 to 18 years, who participate in state, national or international championships. Successful applicants receive between $500 and $750 toward the cost of attending their championships.

‘Every bit helps these young athletes in their quest, and we are greatly appreciative,’ said Jacob’s mother Leah.

‘We are pleased for Jacob and his team; they all work so extremely hard.’

For more information on the LSC program visit sportaus.gov.au/lsc

At seven years old, Tia Beckmann had no idea that a local Hookin2Hockey program delivered at her school would lead her to the sport she loves and lives for today.

Since then, the fourteen-year-old from Toowoomba has been excelling in the sport, competing in the 2021 Hockey Queensland U15 Girls State Championships earlier this year.

A recipient of the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champions (LSC) program, Tia is one of many aspiring young athletes who have received a grant to support their participation in a sporting championship.

‘Being part of the Championships has meant so much to me. The entire process, from trialing, training and then attending, has given me the opportunity to gain and develop new skills.

‘My coach at the state championships has been incredibly supportive and has encouraged me to be the voice of the team on the field. This has increased my confidence and helped me to develop as both a player and a person,’ she said.

Tia was selected to compete in the Championships in July, committing to two training sessions a week, as well as developmental sessions, while continuing to train and play hockey in her local club competition.

‘My ultimate goal is to make the Queensland team,’ Tia noted.

‘We live 40kms from the training field, so it’s a big commitment for my family. The 80km round-trip for training and attending the Championships, plus travel to the local games in Toowoomba, has been costly.

‘The LSC grant has really helped to recover some of the costs and will support my family financially. Every bit counts to help me to reach my goal.’

The LSC program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12 to 18 years, who participate in state, national or international championships. Successful applicants receive between $500 and $750 toward the cost of attending their championships.

For more information on the LSC program visit sportaus.gov.au/lsc.