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Ten Southland teenagers have been selected to play for New Zealand in International Softball Association tournaments later this year. The Southland Express asked them questions relating to the tournament. In this part one of the series we share their answers with our readers.

Harpur Shayler. Photo: supplied
Harpur Shayler, 13

Club: Demons Softball Club, Invercargill

What are your thoughts about being selected for this tournament?

I feel lucky to be given the opportunity to go over to Australia to play softball. It is good to meet new people and play against different teams.

Is this your first international tournament?

No. I was lucky to go last year as well when I played in the New South Wales U14 State Championship in Sydney last September.

What are you looking forward to?

I learnt lots last year so I am looking forward to learning more skills from different coaches about becoming a better player.

I am also looking forward to watching the NRL grand final in Sydney at the end of our tournament.

Name of the tournament and where it is being held?

U15 Tasman Cup in Sydney

Jonty Telfer. Photo: supplied
Jonty Telfer, 13

Club: Demons Softball Club, Invercargill

What are your thoughts about being selected for this tournament?

Super excited and can't wait for the challenge.

Is this your first international tournament?

Yes

What are you looking forward to?

Playing some great softball and meeting new people

Name of the tournament and where it is being held.

U15 Tasman Cup in Sydney

Lars Meehan. Photo: supplied
Lars Meehan, 17

Club: Panthers Softball Club

What are your thoughts about being selected for this tournament?

My thoughts on being selected for the team is that it’s another step to reaching my goal to play for the men’s national team.

Is this your first international tournament?

This will be my first international tournament and hopefully not the last.

What are you looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to the competition seeing what the softball is like at that next level and getting to experience another coaching style.

Name of the tournament and where it is being held?

The Mike Stapleton Memorial Tournament and will be held in Prague.

Slade Fordyce. Photo: supplied
Slade Fordyce, 14

Club: Tiger Sports Club

What are your thoughts about being selected for this tournament?

This is a great opportunity to go on this trip again to play with new people, make new friends, playing against different teams and learning lots off top coaches.

Is this your first international tournament?

This is my second time going over to Australia to play in this team so it’s good. I know what I’m going into with the heat and the first day when you get there is a big one with being at the airport 3am landing in Sydney, straight into training and a game that night.

What are you looking forward to?

I am looking forward to playing with other people my age from around New Zealand, making new friends, playing different teams and being able to represent New Zealand for a sport I like. Hopefully winning the tournament .

Name of the tournament and where it is being held?

The Tasman cup and it's held in Sydney Australia so it will be pretty hot over there.

Quasde Mcleod. Photo: supplied
Quade Mcleod, 16

Club: Panthers Softball Club

What are your thoughts about being selected for this tournament?

I am very excited to be selected.

Is this your first international tournament?

Yes.

What are you looking forward to?

I am looking forward to going away and playing softball in a different country.

Name of the tournament and where it is being held?

I am going to the Mike Stapleton Memorial Tournament in Prague.