Basketball: Young Northlander looking to get to Australia

Fourteen-year-old Rochelle Fourie is making waves as a promising young basketballer. Photo/Supplied

One of Northland's most talented young sportspeople is heading to Australia, but she is looking for a helping hand.

Whangarei basketballer Rochelle Fourie, at just 14, is already impressing with her potential and has been selected for the NZ Koru Under-16s.

Fourie is heading to the Australian Junior Basketball Country Cup in Albury and her mother, Michelle, said she has set up a Givealittle page to help cover the costs of the trip.

"So overall, we are hoping to raise $3400, which will go towards flights, accommodation, registration, basically everything involved with the trip," she said.

"We've been doing other fundraising things like raffles and baking. Any help would be hugely appreciated."

Through their Givealittle page, they've raised $110 so far.

Rochelle Fourie plays the forward and centre positions and has shown a natural talent, considering she only picked up the sport two years ago.

Michelle Fourie said Rochelle went through the selection process for the squad earlier in the year.

"Rochelle travelled to Auckland in August for a one-day trial camp for the Koru team," she said.

"There were three camps like this across the country and they selected players from each tournament."

Michelle Fourie said her daughter was looking forward to the tournament and what the next year had in store for.

"Rochelle is really happy and excited for the Australian tour," she said.

"She is also heading to Manukura because of how she has been going in basketball. They think she has a lot of talent with the ball."

Manukura is a secondary schooling option for Years 9-13 students where excellence is fostered within a culture built on Maori values, best practice in education, and sporting accomplishment.

Rochelle heads to Australia for the tournament in January. The Australian Junior Basketball Country Cup runs from January 11-21.

*If you wish to donate, head to their Givealittle page 'Fourie Koru Tour'