A ROLLERBLADING prodigy will hit the international stage in the forthcoming Sparta Cup in Barcelona.

Max Phillips, aged seven, has been selected to represent Team GB at the rollerblading hockey tournament from April 13 to 17.

The young Bury rollerblader took up the sport while bored during lockdown, when he received full hockey gear from his parents as a Christmas present.

Thanks to his constant practice and dedication, Max was even picked up by the Blackburn Hawks Ice Hockey Team.

Since then, he has gone on to success with the Manchester Storm Academy Team at Altrincham and North West Roller Sports in Atherton.

While playing at Atherton, he was talent spotted by his coach, Craig Russell and encouraged to apply for a place on the Team GB Team.

Max said: “I can’t wait to play with all my teammates, I am so excited.

“In lockdown I got the idea that I wanted to do hockey so my parents got me an ice hockey jersey, a stick and a puck for Christmas.

“Ever since, I’ve loved using them and I play with them all the time.

“I have been practising really hard, non-stop and I feel really proud of myself and the progress I’ve made.

“When I’m rollerblading, I’m doing what I love and I just have fun because it’s not all just about the competition and winning all the time.

“There’s no need to win every game. As long as you’re having fun and impressing your schoolfriends.”

Mr Russell added: “From the first time I saw him skate, I knew Max was going to be special.

“Such an amazing talented sweet young man. I am so proud of him especially since he has only been playing less than a year."

Louise, Max’s mum, said: “He looked like Bambi on wheels at first.

“But it kept him quiet and we thought it would fill in time until ice rinks opened up again.”