A player forged more from drill and dedication than instinctive play, under his father's tutelage, Atkinson got serious about furthering his prospects in recent seasons having made the Wanganui senior squad for the past three or four years.
Time on the social scene had to be curtailed for more training as he became the No1 forward for his Tech College Old Boy's club team and Wanganui seniors.
"He was pretty rapt. He had told me not to get my hopes up," Atkinson said of his father receiving the news.
Atkinson's Central team, which included clubmate Kane Watkins, had a middling campaign in Whangarei they picked up two victories over wooden-spooners Northland while being competitive with every other side, minus a 5-1 loss to Wellington as fatigue set in.
Atkinson said he would like to take a break for a week or two, before getting back into local hockey and looking ahead to the Junior Black Sticks' training camp.
"My aim for now is to make that final 18 for India."
Hockey Wanganui's Ian Glenny said they were delighted with Atkinson's elevation a first for the district in many years. "We're really proud of what Marty's achieved. The Atkinsons and Langley have given so much to Wanganui hockey as a family.
"He's going to bring back the skills and what he's learning at that level to Wanganui."
