He has only been in the job for a little over a year, but already Sam Heffernan is kicking both literal and figurative goals.
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The 19-year-old has recently completed his traineeship with the Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga, and has been offered a full-time position as the region's sports co-ordinator.
In June, he took out the coveted Trainee of the Year Award at the Riverina Training Awards.
Tonight he will journey to Sydney's Town Hall with six other finalists in the NSW Training Awards.
To get to this point has been a long process, involving several rounds of interviews and written testimonials of his high quality work.
"I believe it'll be strong competition [for the top award]," Mr Heffernan said.
"Getting this far has been a privilege, so my fingers and toes are crossed."
As part of his role, Mr Heffernan regularly travels across the Riverina to work with 31 individual schools in the Catholic diocese.
"I run the sports carnivals for the schools, both the regional and state carnivals," he said.
"The farthest school I'd have to travel to is in Griffith, so I'd go there every couple of weeks.
Having been in the position now for a little over a year, and having now completed his Certificate III in sport and recreation, Mr Heffernan is content to keep his career pathway open in the future.
"This is definitely a field I want to be in, combining business, admin and being on the sporting field," he said.
"I don't know where it will lead in the future, but I'm loving it now."