From regional rec grounds to Rio de Janeiro

Chinchilla's Gabby Hicks touches down in Brazil for Australian futsal tour.

BEST FOOT FORWARD: Chinchilla's Gabby Hicks has landed in Belo Horizonte, Brazil after 30 plus hours of travel to begin training and playing with some of the world's best as part of the Australian under 15s futsal team. Picture: Kate McCormack

IT MAY have taken her more than 30 hours in transit, multiple stop overs and a heady dose of jet-lag, but Chinchilla's Gabby Hicks has safely landed in Brazil for two weeks of intense training as part of the Australian under 15s futsal team. The talented Honey Bear's midfielder was forced to make an early departure from the 2019 football season as the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity beckoned.

"It's unfortunate I won't be able to see out the season with my team mates but I know this trip to Brazil is going to be something I will remember for the rest of my life,” Hicks said.

At just 15 she's joining a very select team from around the country to train with some of the world's biggest names in the sport.

Gabby Hicks has made it to Brazil for an intense two weeks of training with the Australian under 15 futsal team. Picture: Contributed

With Brazil considered to be the most successful nation at World Cup level, having won five of the eight tournaments held, this is no small feat.

"I'm really looking forward to honing my skills and learning from champion players and coaches and travelling around a country that lives and breathes the sport I love,” Hicks said.

The teen has received a great deal of support from the wider Chinchilla community in the lead up to her Latin-American adventure.

After over 30 hours of travel from Brisbane to Belo HorizonteChinchilla's Gabby Hicks has landed in Brazil and has started her two weeks of intensive training with the Australian Under 15s futsal team in Brazil. Picture: Francis Hicks

"Thanks to the charity movie night, a WDRC grant, and donations from Chinchilla State High School, EnVision Partners and Busy Bee Signs we managed to raise close to $3000 to help pay for the trip,” she said.

After over 30 hours of travel from Brisbane to Belo HorizonteChinchilla's Gabby Hicks has landed in Brazil and has started her two weeks of intensive training with the Australian Under 15s futsal team in Brazil. Picture: Francis Hicks

"Football Chinchilla and the wider local community as well my friends and family have been amazing. I am extremely grateful to everyone who helped make this tour a reality... It goes to show that regional kids who love their sport don't have to miss out on these opportunities. I hope this encourages more Western Downs kids to chase their passions.”

Gabby Hicks has made it to Brazil for an intense two weeks of training with the Australian under 15 futsal team. Picture: Contributed

The businesses and locals who contributed to Gabby's tour of Brazil:

Football Chinchilla

TJ's 1 On 1 Football Training

Emberdune

Simply Breathe

EnVision Partners Chinchilla

Chinchilla State High School P&C Committee

Keating Bros Hardware

Chinchilla 1 Hour Photos

Scouller Saddlery

Drakes Chinchilla

Club Hotel Chinchilla

Olor & Co.

Foodworks Chinchilla

Western Downs Cinemas Chinchilla

Western Downs Regional Council Grants

Silver 4 Hire

Mini Motors

Repco Chinchilla

Jackson's Parts

Landmark

Busy Bee Signs