Talent, ambition and a lot of hard work have come together to have promising young footballer Daniel McDougal winging his way across the Tasman to play.
Daniel has been playing for his Hokowhitu Football Club for three years, with his parents taking him from Dannevirke to practices at Ashhurst Tuesdays and Thursdays - both a time and financial commitment.
It has paid off, because Daniel has been a regular in the age group Manawatu teams.
From there he was nominated by his Manawatu Under 12 coach to trial for the Central Zone Federation Under 12 team in December last year. Forty-two players were nominated from Wanganui, Manawatu, Taranaki, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay, and Daniel was one of nine from Manawatu to make the 18-strong squad.
Practices on a Sunday once a month scattered about the region and practice games against Wellington teams have followed.