Bundaberg athletes selected for USA basketball, German football comps
Dreams of a USA college scholarship and playing on the international stage are driving two of Bundaberg’s most talented rising stars of sport.
Two standout sports stars from the region have been selected to compete internationally in their respective sports, marking major milestones in their careers.
Both athletes have created GoFundMe pages in the hopes of raising the much-needed funds for their upcoming trips and are rallying community support.
Tee Fowler
TeAmo ‘Tee’ Fowler, 14, has been selected for the AUSA hoops team and will travel to the United States of America after rising to stardom just three years into his basketball career, explaining it’s his “commitment and hard work” that has gotten him here.
Mother of the rising-rebounder, Natalie Toms, created the GoFundMe page in hopes of raising $10,000 for his trip next year.
In the GoFundMe’s description Ms Toms says the money raised will go towards flights, meals, visas and travel insurance.
“TeAmo will tour for 3 and a ½ weeks playing basketball,” she said.
“This will place him in front of College Scouts with the hope of returning to USA 2028 to secure a college scholarship.”
Tee says he hopes to play for Durham North Carolina and looks up to Memphis Grizzlies player Ja Morant.
Ms Toms said it had been a mind-blowing experience to see how committed her son was to making his dreams come true and the community support had been unbelievable.
“It has been so heartwarming and fills me with gratitude beyond measure to see our community support him,” she said.
“Strangers, business owners and family support that he has is unbelievable.”
The pair are especially thankful for Lloyd Finnis, a member of the Freemasons, who is helping to cover Tee’s fees.
“Our family appreciate all help and support to get this local Bundaberg budding basketball player take the steps closer to achieving his dream of playing in USA.
“Let’s get behind him.”
Maddison Flanagan
Across the Waves Football Club athlete Maddison Flanagan has been selected to represent Australia for the third time at the Rale Rasic Joeys Mini World Cup Youth Tournament in Germany.
In her GoFundMe page, 17-year-old Maddison says she has played soccer since she was six and has always had a “dream of one day playing professionally”.
“Football has shaped my life,” she said.
“It’s my passion, my purpose, and the path I’m determined to follow.
“Being selected to play in this tournament is a huge honour.”
Wearing the green and gold twice already, Maddison said the tournament offered young athletes a rare chance to experience professional football on a global stage.
“Due to personal circumstances, affording the full cost of the trip is more difficult this time around,” the GoFundMe reads.
Maddison hopes to raise $11,000 to cover airfares, accomodation and meals.
“I work part-time while completing my schooling, saving every bit I can,” she said.
“Thank you so much for supporting me on this journey.
“Your generosity means the world to me and brings me closer to my dream of playing professional football.”
