Oscar Smart

Albury young gun Oscar Smart chasing hockey dream

A desire to play hockey at the highest level is the driving force for Albury’s Oscar Smart.

Oscar, 17, is one of the 12 nominees for the 2018 Norske Skog Young Achiever of the Year Award.

Hockey has been a big part of the Smart family, spanning across three generations.

Oscar’s late grandfather, Bob Smart, a Hockey Albury-Wodonga life member, and his father, Matt, have been his two biggest influences.

“It was a bit of a surprise (to be nominated for the award), dad called me and I don’t know who was more excited,” Oscar said.

“He’s been a big part of the reason I got it to be honest.

“He pretty much taught me everything when I was a young kid, because he was a great player as well.

“He coached me from under 12s and has kind of been my coach for the all the teams I’ve made because he’s always been there after games helping me out and telling me what I need to improve on.

“My grandfather, Bob Smart, was a big part of my life as well.

“He passed away in the middle of last year, but he used to ring me every Sunday night and ask me how I was going.

“He used to do a lot of coaching as well because he pretty much taught dad everything he knew.

“It was a pretty big loss when he passed away.”

Oscar’s cousin, Zoe, has also been excelling, making the Australian Futures side and playing for Queensland.

But Oscar has also had his fair share of achievements.

The midfielder and occasional striker was recently called up for the Victorian under 18s side to contest the national championships in Launceston in March.

He also represented NSW at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide last year.

But he rates the 2017 division one premiership with Norths as the highlight so far.

“The biggest part was the friendships we had through our team,” Oscar said.

“It was pretty much why we won it because we were all great mates and I love them to bits.

“But the Victorian under 18s is probably the biggest team I’ve made.”

Oscar has worked closely with Kookaburras’ star Glenn Turner throughout his journey and is grateful to have the experienced campaigner in his corner.

“He sponsors me with hockey sticks and is a mentor,” Oscar said.

“He’s been really good to me and looked after me heaps, I’m very lucky to have a mentor as good as Glenn Turner.”

The Young Achiever will be crowned on Friday, March 16, at Albury’s Commercial Club.

Unfortunately, Oscar will be unable to attend as it clashes with the nationals.