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Lebron has been selected to represent the Victorian Eagles Under 16 Gridiron Team for the upcoming 2026 National Championship to defend their title.

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Lebron has been selected to represent the Victorian Eagles Under 16 Gridiron Team for the upcoming 2026 National Championship. This marks his second consecutive year competing at state level, following an impressive 2025 season where he represented his club, the Southern Vikings, as the U15 co‑captain. His leadership, commitment, and on‑field performance have earned him ongoing recognition within the Victorian gridiron community. Lebron is of Cook Island, Filipino, and English heritage, and was proudly born in Melbourne, Australia.Lebron&#39;s multicultural background is an important part of who he is and the values he brings to his sport—respect, resilience, community, and pride. In both the 2024 and 2025 winter seasons, Lebron was a dual‑code athlete, playing AFL and Rugby Union simultaneously.This created a gruelling weekly schedule of four training nights, plus competition games on both Saturday and Sunday.Despite the physical and mental demands, Lebron never once wavered in his commitment to his teams.His determination to honour every responsibility pushed him to grow his athletic skills, strengthen his physical conditioning, and build a resilient mindset—while still keeping up with his schoolwork. He discovered gridiron in 2024 during the summer season through a friend, and he has not looked back.Since then, he has gone from strength to strength, quickly establishing himself as a dedicated and fast‑developing athlete within the sport. At just 11 years old, shortly after Victoria emerged from COVID lockdowns, Lebron’s world also changed dramatically when his mother was hospitalised and later diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Overnight, life became uncertain. During her recovery—when she was unable to walk and required support with even basic daily tasks—Lebron and his younger brother were forced to take on responsibilities far beyond their years. They managed household duties, organised themselves for school, and lived with the ongoing worry of what their mother’s diagnosis meant for their family’s future. These challenges shaped Lebron’s maturity, resilience, and determination.Sport became a vital anchor, providing structure, purpose, and motivation during difficult times. In April, the Victorian Eagles will travel to Queensland to defend their National Championship title, and Lebron is incredibly proud to be selected to contribute to this elite group of young athletes. As with most representative sports, participation is self‑funded. We are seeking donations to help cover essential costs, including:<ul><li>Team levies and registration</li><li>Training camps and preparation</li><li>Uniforms and equipment</li><li>Travel and accommodation for the National Tournament</li></ul>The total cost for the program is $2,400.00.<h3> </h3><h3>Why Your Support Matters</h3>Wearing the Victorian Eagles jersey represents:<ul><li>Pride in representing Victoria</li><li>Respect for the players who came before</li><li>Responsibility to his teammates</li><li>Commitment to giving his absolute best</li></ul>A strong performance at Nationals may also open pathways toward future Australian national team selection—making this an important stepping stone in his sporting journey. Lebron’s multicultural pride, athletic dedication, and the resilience built through personal hardship make this opportunity especially meaningful.Your support would not only ease the financial burden but also help him continue to grow as both an athlete and a young leader. If you are willing to contribute, or if you would like more information, please feel free to contact me. Any level of support is genuinely appreciated.

LeBron - Victorian Eagle U16