Hello my kindhearted supporters,

My name is Michael Maddalena. I turned 12 in May 2024 and am currently attending Clayfield College in Year 7.

I have made it to the Queensland Team where 7 boys and 7 girls will compete for the Bruce Cup 2024 on 17th to 24th August 2024 at the Darwin International Tennis Centre.

The Bruce Cup is a prestigious national schools tennis championship open to girls and boys aged 12 and under.

It's been contested since 1938 and was first presented by Henry Adam "Harry" Bruce, a former Queensland education minister and later an Australian parliamentary representative.

Many Australian legends played their first representative matches for their state in the Bruce Cup, including Rod Laver, Lew Hoad and Fred Stolle, and more recently, Jason Stoltenberg, Pat Rafter, Todd Woodbridge, Mark Philippoussis, Rachel McQuillan, Evie Dominikovic and more recently Ash Barty, Nick Kyrgios, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Jordan Thompson and Destanee Aiava to mention a few.

I am very excited about this event as it is my first time representing the State. I have worked very hard to get here. 7 out of 64 boys were selected to be in Team Queensland. 4 out of 36 boys were selected in the District Trial to be able to trial for the Regional Team. 4 out of 20 boys were selected to represent the Regional Team. I am from the Metropolitan North Team. I have played over 100 matches in the last 12 months. I have played over 100 matches every year since I started playing in tournaments a few years ago. I also work hard at school and I have achieved some of my dreams, that is to be on a general excellence scholarship at school.

I really would love to make my dream come true by being the best I can be in my tennis journey. I also realise that being great at anything costs money. Knowledge and time cost money. That is why every little bit of help I can get would help so much in making my student athlete dreams come true.

Funds raised will help to cover partial costs of event fees, uniform, airline tickets for a parent and myself, accommodation and nourishment. I have to be accompanied by an adult and we have to organise our own travel arrangements and accommodation.

I know times are tough but please know that I really appreciate your support. Hopefully one day you will feel proud to have contributed to my student athlete journey. Your donations are tax deductible as you will get a receipt via email. God bless you and your loved ones.

Michael Maddalena.