Not all 13-year-olds make the top Territory team in their sport of choice, but when they do trips away for interstate competitions become expensive.
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Katherine's remote location inflates the cost two-fold, but Katherine High School student Leo Howard is intent on travelling to Canberra in October to take on some of the best in Australia.
And he's selling asparagus to do it.
It will be the first time he plays with the U15 NT Touch team, as players are scattered across the vast Top End region.
The year seven student was selected out of hundreds of youth, and is among just six Katherine players to make the team.
"I made the team in June, and since I have been training really hard most days," Leo said.
A young athlete through and through, he was heavily involved in soccer, rugby league and basketball.
But when he passed the age to be involved in the local rugby league competition - over 14s have to travel to Darwin if they want to compete - it was touch which won him over.
Since being drafted to the team he has increased his training and started fundraising for the imminent trip away.
"I have worked out I need $2645 for flights, one week of food, transport and uniforms," he said.
Two afternoons per week he will be selling asparagus on the side of the Stuart Highway, right near the pool for $5 a bunch.
He'll be at the Saturday morning market as well.
He has secured a spot at Rod and Rifle on September 7, to host the Saturday morning BBQ, and has been selling raffle tickets.
"Andrew Dalglish who owns Fox Farms heard I was raising money for my Canberra trip, and he said he wanted to help," Leo said.
"He had lots of asparagus growing, we struck a deal so I could buy it from him at cost price.
"I wanted to take on more ownership and commitment of the fundraising for my trip."
Leo Howard will be selling asparagus on the Stuart Highway near the Katherine Aquatic Centre at 4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he will be at the markets on Saturday as well.
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