YOUNG GUNS’ BRIGHT FUTURE
TWO of Townsville’s upand- coming young athletes have received an extra boost to their sporting careers after being named as recipients of the PAYCE NQ Sports Encouragement Bursary.
Queensland representative cricketer Brendan Haylett and AFL talent Ellie Hampson, both 16, received the bursaries during a cer- emony at Townsville Council recently.
Haylett has represented North Queensland at cricket since the age of 10, is already playing senior club cricket for Townsville side Brothers and is a member of the elite North Queensland Pathways squad.
Hampson has already made big strides in her young AFL career, making both the Queensland under- 15 schoolgirls and Queensland City Under- 18 representative teams. A Gold Coast Suns Academy player, Hampson has also earned representative honours in football, Oztag, athletics and touch football.
Townsville city councillor Maurie Soars said supporting the region’s young sporting talent was vital.
“This bursary acknowledges their sporting achievements and helps these promising juniors to pursue their goals by providing financial assistance,” he said.
“Brendan and Ellie have proven passion and dedication to their sports and council is pleased to be able to help them achieve their goals.”
Haylett and Hampson each receive a NQ Sports Foundation embroidered sports jacket, along with a cheque for $ 650 to go towards their development.