Local rider to play for NZ
Kaikohe polocrosse player Kyla Zielinski has been selected to represent New Zealand for the first time.
An original squad of 16 junior boys and girls was selected before a final team of four boys and four girls was named.
The team will compete in Albury, Australia at the Australian Junior National Championships from April 14-16.
Kyla’s father Craig says the competition to get into the team was tough.
‘‘There was almost nothing in the selection. She was over the moon, she worked pretty hard to get in it.’’
He says Kyla has been playing polocrosse for four years and trains everyday with her team of horses.
While this is Kyla’s first selection for a New Zealand team she made the initial squad of eight females two years ago.
The New Zealand team is selected by New Zealand Polocrosse international players and coaches.
Mother Wendy says Kyla was awarded junior up and coming player at the junior and intermediate tournament held in Auckland earlier this year as well as the polocrosse rising star at the club championships held in Tokoroa.
‘‘Many thanks go out to family and friends for their support and selectors and coaches for giving Kyla this opportunity.