AIDAN Hughes has been selected to represent Great Britain this summer in the under 12s British Inline Puck Hockey Team.

The Cotswold School pupil will be heading to Corona, south of Los Angeles, California, to compete in the USA Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU) Junior Olympic Games.

The event takes place from July 9 to 19 and the Year 8 pupil’s peers at the Bourton-on-the-Water school are hoping to watch him in action via a live weblink.

Aidan started inline hockey when he and younger brother, Sam, took up the chance to try the sport at a free demonstration in Chipping Norton run by club founder and coach Dave Edwards.

Several years on, Aidan is now an enthusiastic member of champion team – The Chippy Trixsters – and plays both inline puck hockey and inline ball hockey. Having been spotted by a scout, Aidan was invited to trial for GB’s Inline Puck Hockey Team.

“I’m really pleased as I have now been invited to trial for GB’s Inline Ball Hockey Team too,”he said.

A spokesman from the British Inline Puck Hockey Association (BIPHA) said: “One of the greatest accolades any sports person can be given, is the opportunity to represent their country at their given sport.

“Hard work, dedication, not to mention outstanding ability are just some of the attributes needed to be recognised as one of the best in your chosen sport.”

Inline hockey is now a passion for the Hughes family.

Sam Hughes, aged 10, is also a talented player and like big brother, Aidan, and has also been selected to play for GB at his age group in Los Angeles.

Aidan said: “I’m very excited about the trip to LA. It is a great honour to be selected to represent Great Britain and I am very grateful to my parents for their support.”

As well as the AAU’s Junior Olympics in the USA, Aidan said: “Once we get back, we will have a couple of weeks and then I will be going to the European Championships in Switzerland.”

Aidan is delighted with his coveted Team GB jersey, saying: “The jersey is part of the kit. We have just received all of it and there is quite a lot to carry.”

n Gold, silver and bronze medals will be presented to members of each team placed in the top four in each age group. All athletes and coaches will receive a free Junior Olympics t-shirt.