Lucknow Primary School student and under 12 Wy Yung footballer, Ryan Cullinan, has been selected in the School Sport Victoria 12 years and under football state team, which will compete in the School Sport Australia Championships to be held in Mandurah, Western Australia, from August 3 to August 10.

More than 900 students participated in a structured trial process to be selected to represent the state with Cullinan catching the eye of selectors.

“There were four training rounds with the first one in Traralgon,” Ryan said.

“We had cuts from there and the kids that showed the best skill made it through. Luckily enough I made it through.”

The squad of 23 consists of some of Victoria’s best up and coming talents and Cullinan is excited to test his skills against some of Australia’ s best footballers.

“We all fly over as a team and it’s my first time on a plane so I am looking forward to it,” he said.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun and the whole family is coming with me.”

Cullinan is a tall-bodied midfielder who rotates through the forward line much like his favourite player, Essendon skipper, Dyson Heppell.

“I’m a Essendon supporter and my favourite player is Dyson Heppell,” he said.

“He has inspired me since I was about three years old and I got to meet him because one of the teachers here is friends with him.

“I try and play like Dyson because I like the leadership skills he shows and how he shares the ball around with his team.

“He goes in hard, which is really good.

“I’m a pretty good runner so I think my run and carry has helped me through.”

Cullinan thanked the Wy Yung Football Netball Club for its support.

PICTURED: Ryan Cullinan