by Alex Hoad

Three promising youngsters from Canterbury Hockey Club have taken a big step on the road to Rio 2016 as the Youth Olympic Festival got underway in Australia.

Ross Gilham-Jones and Grace Balsdon are in the TeamGB squads for the competition at the Sydney Olympics site while men’s team keeper Diccon Stubbings is a reserve.

Gilham-Jones (pictured right) made an immediate impact with two goals as GB opened the competition with a 7-3 win over Malaysia on Wednesday and was due to face the host nation on Thursday morning with the USA next up on Saturday.

Balsdon was part of the GB side which lost 3-0 to the hosts on Wednesday before this morning’s clash with China and a game against the Americans on Saturday.

Both teams will be hoping to secure a medal in the early hours of Sunday.

Gilham-Jones, 20, said: "I would love to win gold. It’s a definite opportunity as we have been playing some excellent hockey and have gelled as a side in a short period of time."

He added: "In May, we played a practice game at the Olympic Park in London which was a massive inspiration for me and has driven me to be the best player I can be.

"I got to see some of the hockey at the Olympics and to play in one would be phenomenal. I see this as a stepping stone to Rio as that is my goal."

The trio spent 10 days acclimatising to the time-difference and conditions in Australia, currently experiencing a heatwave with daily averages of more than 40 degrees for the past week.

They have also enjoyed tours of the city and took in a Big Bash cricket game at the SCG before a spectacular Opening Ceremony for more than 1,700 competitors from around the world.

Balsdon, 19, (pictured left) promoted to the squad after an injury, said: "The opening ceremony was amazing. There were inspiring speakers and wonderful entertainment. It’s all to play for in the game against the Chinese."

Stubbings, 20, (pictured right) said: "It shows the strength of Canterbury, having three players out here.

"The experience is a once in a lifetime, even though I don’t get to play in the event. I’d love to play but I’ve just got make sure that I’m in the best shape possible and in good form in case I’m needed."

He added: "It’s great to be back in the international set-up after a five-year gap. I kept training hard and this is a reward for that hard work."

For details about all the Kent athletes taking part in the Youth Olympic Festival this week follow @AlexHoadKOL on twitter