Junior Sports Stars

For these lucky young performers, their favourite pastime takes them all across the world.

ELLIE HARRISON PRO SURFER, 13

When and how did you get into surfing?

I got into surfing when I was about 4, with my three older brothers, Tom, Billy and Joey.

What do you love most about surfing?

When you get out in the water, it’s quiet and relaxing. And I love surfing with my friends!

What’s your next major surfing goal?

I want to get into the ISA World Surfing Games and go well in it if I don’t win it.

How much travel do you do each year for surfing?

I travel quite a bit, mainly in Queensland and NSW because I have heaps of comps there and I’m also in the Talent ID program for the High Performance Centre.

Where’s your favourite place to go and why?

That would be Snapper Rocks in Queensland because it’s really easy to get a wave there. I love how it is so long and you can sometimes take your wave from behind the rock to Greenmount. I also like Bells Beach in Victoria.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited and why?

G-Land in Java because I loved the waves and all the nature around.

When you’re travelling, what are three things you never leave home without?

My phone, my boards and my laptop (so I can still do schoolwork).

Where will your next surfing trip take you?

Possibly on an all-girls trip to Sumatra – fingers crossed it happens! I’m really excited to go because the waves are so good there.

When you’re not competing or training, what do you do to relax?

I hang with my friends or go shopping or play footy.

What’s been your favourite family holiday and why?

When we went to Canggu in Bali, Lakey Peak in Sumbawa and G-Land in Java in one trip. It was so fun hanging with fam and surfing!

If you could travel anywhere in the world for a holiday, where would you go and why?

The west coast of America because the waves are so sick and so is the American lifestyle.

Who’s your favourite travel companion and why?

My brother Billy because he’s so much fun, and if there’s a tricky surf break he will take me out and help me.

RYAN TEAGUE, CAPTAIN OF THE JOEYS (AUSTRALIA’S UNDER-17 SOCCER TEAM), 17

When and how did you get into soccer?

I started playing soccer for Maroubra United at the age of 5, but I always had a ball at my feet as a kid, so informally I started when I was much younger.

What do you love most about it?

I love a lot of things about soccer, but when you represent Australia and hear the national anthem, that is spine-tingling. Most of all, I love the team spirit – be that when playing for club or country.

What’s your next major sporting goal?

To make Australia’s squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil.

How much travel do you do each year for soccer?

I have travelled overseas quite a lot over the past few years, including to Malaysia, Mongolia and Turkey. We travel for friendly and qualification tournaments.

Where’s your favourite place to compete and why?

Probably my favourite experience so far in my career was in Malaysia when we played Indonesia last year. There were 15,000 fans in the stadium, most supporting Indonesia, and it was a game that we had to win to qualify for this year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil. The atmosphere was intense, but we managed to win and qualify for the tournament.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited and why?

I have been to a few interesting places, but I really enjoyed travelling to Spain with Sydney Olympic a few years ago. The soccer culture is fantastic there, and we got to spend time visiting both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

When you’re travelling, what are three things you never leave home without?

My soccer boots, headphones and – an obvious one – my passport!

Where will your next soccer trip take you?

I am aiming to make Australia’s squad for this year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil.

When you’re not competing or training, what do you do to relax?

I love going to the beach and enjoying a round of golf.

What’s been your favourite family holiday and why?

My family often travels to Avoca Beach on the NSW Central Coast. We love the beach, so it’s a fantastic place to get away.

If you could travel anywhere in the world for a holiday, where would you go and why?

Hawai‘i – again, for the beaches!

Who’s your favourite travel companion and why?

Two Australia teammates I love to travel with are Adam Pavlesic and Jordan Courtney.