Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, is urging South Staffordshire residents to help sponsor Cheslyn Hay and Community High School student Aaron Jepson, who has been selected for the England Under 13’s Ice Hockey Team.
Next February, Aaron will be travelling to Quebec, Canada, to compete in a tournament with 2300 other children from 16 countries at the 15,000 capacity Colisee Pepsi stadium.
Aaron started his journey at just 4 years old, when he turned to his parents while watching the Winter Olympics and said, ‘I want to play this for England.’ For his fifth birthday, he started skating lessons and was soon competent enough to join Beginners hockey lessons.
While still just 5 years old, Aaron got his spot in the under 10’s team. During his time at the Telford junior ice hockey club, he travelled to Belgium, Holland and all over the UK to compete. He also became team captain during his time in both the under 10’s and 12’s, and was top point scorer for his team for the last two season.
During summer, this year, he transferred to the under 14s age group and signed with Nottingham Junior Ice Hockey Club to help him develop his skills to a higher level
Aaron attended trials for the Midlands Conference Team and has been successful in playing for the region for the last three years, travelling to Holland and France, and competing in the National finals, which his team has won twice.
The National Championships are seen as an opportunity for the England coaches to scout talent from all over the country. Aaron was offered one of 46 places in the final ‘Quest for Quebec’ three day training camp, which was held at Ice Sheffield. He later received the news that he had made the team’s final 18.
In order to prepare for the trip, Aaron has been working on and off the ice on his fitness, skating and ice hockey, and has been travelling across the UK with his club for numerous league games. He has also been attempting to inspire other local children to take up skating and sport at the Cannock ice rink.
Ice hockey receives no national funding and the cost of ice time, hockey kit and travel expenses will all have be met by Aaron and his family.
Aaaron is hoping to raise part of the funding for the trip via a sponsored cycle, this December 1st. He and his friends will be attempting to cycle the 7.5 hour flight time to Canada at Virgin Active, in Lichfield.
On the sponsorship, Gavin said: “Aaron is clearly an extremely talented and dedicated young man, who will no doubt go far in the world of ice hockey. I urge everyone to sponsor him for his cycle ride, this December, and help him realise his dream of participating in this tournament in Quebec.”
If you are interested in sponsoring Aaron, please visit: www.fastaz.co.uk.