Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Aiden to captain Team UK in United States
Airdrie lad (12) impresses inline hockey coaches at squad training
Andrew Bargh
An Airdrie youngster has been chosen to captain Team UK at one of the world’s biggest inline hockey tournaments.
Aiden Paterson, 12, will lead his age group at State Wars in Detroit this summer thanks to impressing his coaches with his leadership qualities and enthusiasm.
The St Margaret’s High School pupil has played inline hockey for around four years, representing Dundee Ducks in the sport, which is similar to icehockey but played with roller blades on a non-slip surface.
He also plays ice- hockey for Lanarkshire Lightning.
Aiden, who makes a 500-mile round trip with his parents, Jim and Julie, to Sheffield and Rotherham to train every few weeks, will also represent the two age groups above him during the tournament across the pond.
The youngster is delighted he and his parents’ commitment to the sport is paying off.
Aiden told the Advertsier: “It came as a bit of a surprise to be named captain of the squad but I’m buzzing about it.
“It will be a good trip. I’ve been playing hockey for four years but this will be the highlight for me.
“The teams we’ll be playing against will be very tough to take on but that will only improve us as a team.
““My parents are over the moon for me and they make so much effort taking me to training down in England so it’s nice that I’m making them proud.”
One of the proud parents is dad Jim, who added: “He’s doing very well and keeps improving.
“In State Wars, all the states from America are represented and they invite the UK over as one of the competing teams.
“Going and playing against these guys will only improve him further.
“His coaches are pleased with him and he’s got what is needed to be a captain. He’s a rock at the back, is reliable and does what he needs to do.
“He reads the game well and is always one step ahead of the game so this helps with his leadership during matches.”
Aiden has played inline hockey in America before when he represented Team GB during the Junior Olympics a couple of years ago.
He returned with two medals on that occasion and latterly gave up football to focus on his passion.
Jim continued: “For Aiden to get the opportunity to go over to America and captain the side is something he’ll never forget.
“If the team get anything out of it medal-wise then excellent but they will have a wonderful time regardless.
“Aiden loves the sport and this kind of thing makes all the travelling and training worth it.
“He puts in a lot of effort so to be rewarded is very well deserved.”