Hey everyone, my name is Kai Mackenzie and I’m 11 years old.

I honestly can’t remember a time when I didn’t love sport. Rugby league is my absolute favourite, but I play touch football, athletics, oz tag, softball, netball – pretty much anything going! I’ve been lucky enough to make rep teams in quite a few different sports, both in my own age group and even some older ones.

My biggest strength? I just love training. Most kids only train when they have to – I’m the one doing extras on my own. Backyard sessions, sprints, gym work, watching footage… I do it because I want to get better. I’m my own biggest critic – if something’s not good enough, I’ll stay out there until it is. And when it’s a big game, a carnival, or I’m up against kids who are meant to be better than me, I always step up and give everything.

One day I want to play NRL. I want to pull on a professional jersey and make my family and everyone who believes in me proud. To get there I need to keep improving every year, and that takes money for things like:

• specialist coaching and skills programs
• strength & conditioning/gym
• travel and entry fees for the best trials and carnivals
• boots, recovery gear and good fuel for my body

I already owe so much to my amazing mum and dad. They drive me everywhere, pay for most of my training and gear, and are always there helping or cheering. This fundraiser is my way of saying a huge thank you to them too – by taking some of the financial pressure off so I can keep chasing my dream.

Every dollar raised goes straight to giving me the same chances as other kids. I promise I’ll keep working harder than anyone – I always have and always will.

If you believe in a kid who’s prepared to put in the work, please help me out. Even $5 or $10 means the world.

Thank you so much!

Kai Mackenzie