Cowper MP Luke Hartsuyker has congratulated the 12-year-old.

The Tacking Point Primary School student will receive a $500 grant under the Local Sporting Champions Grant Program to help cover the costs associated with participating in his sporting competitions.

“Jack started playing soccer when he was just four-years-old and he has made his mark in the field of soccer before he’s even hit his teens,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“A total dedication to the sport has paid dividends, with Jack being selected to compete for NSW at the national Schools Championships in Perth last month.

“Jack foregoes television and computer games to train or play soccer every day no matter the weather conditions with the aim of becoming a professional football player,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

Jack started playing club soccer at five, was chosen to represent the Mid-North Coast at the age of 10 and was selected to represent the region at the state titles this year.

He was also accepted to travel with West Ham United to attend a two-week training camp in the UK last year

“We have incredible young athletes on the Mid-North Coast such as Jack who have huge potential, but the reality is that we are a regional area and the costs of travel and accommodation can be significant,” Mr Hartsuyker said

Grants of $500 are available through the Local Sporting Champions program to successful individual applicants, which are allocated three times year to help with costs.

For more information on the program, eligibility requirements and application forms, go to http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/local_sporting_champions