Roller hockey ace Oliver is heading to America

Oliver Massey (9) will travel to Fort Wayne, Indiana, with his proud family to represent Great Britain in the under-10 and under-12 categories of the Skate Wars competition in July.

The Hapton Primary School pupil was selected from hopefuls across the UK for the prestigious spot and he said he is already excited about the trip.

“I’m excited but a bit nervous about playing with the under-12s because it will be a lot harder than the under-10s,” said Oliver, who also plays ice hockey for Blackburn Hawks Juniors.

The youngster, who has been playing ice hockey since he was four, took up roller hockey a year ago and plays for the Glossopdale Devils.

He took part in trials at the end of 2015 and was delighted to be told last month that he had been selected for the six-day event as part of the UK Young Guns squad.

He will travel to America with mum Rachel, who has her own administration business, marketing director dad Nathan and little sister Phoebe (6).

Rachel said: “I’m extremely proud of him. “This is the first time people from the UK have taken part in this tournament. Oliver is very excited and is training hard. He trains three times a week for Blackburn Hawks and once a week for roller hockey in Atherton. Then once a month he goes to train in Rotherham.

“He loves it, it’s certainly a passion for him.

Dad Nathan added: “It’s a fantastic achievement because he’s only nine. We’re really proud of him.

“He’s obviously good at what he does but there were quite a few children at the trials so it was a bit of a surprise when he got through.

“It’s busy and it’s a lot of time and effort for us but it’s well worth it. The discipline is great and it gives him something to focus on. If he’s not playing hockey, he’s watching it on the iPad or playing it on his xBox. It’s all hockey.”