Kaan is the first Deniliquin High School student in recent memory to be selected to the Riverina team for the NSW Combined High Schools state championships.
He was one of 15 out of 60 students who impressed selectors at trials in Wagga last term, but the cost of attending the three day carnival in Sydney threatened his attendance.
The 15 year-old and his family initially investigated grants but, with options limited or application deadlines already passed, they turned to crowd funding website Go Fund Me instead.
The family had a goal of raising at least $2500 to assist with accommodation and transport costs, after they paid the initial $300 registration fee.
The Go Fund Me page had raised $2600 at the time of going to print yesterday.
Kaan said the outpouring of support from the community has been so strong, he’ll actually be able to spend a few extra days in Sydney and attend NSW team trials as well.
“I appreciate all the support and I am happy to be going,” he said.
“I really didn’t think we’d be able to raise enough, so I was really surprised.
“There were people donating who have probably never even heard of me before.”
The NSW Combined High Schools state championships will see Riverina play off against other NSW regions over three days, from May 9-11.
In the days that follow, trials for the NSW Combines High Schools team that will compete against other states in a national competition will also be held in Sydney.
Kaan and his family relocated to Deniliquin from their native Turkey eight years ago.
The sport of choice in Turkey, Kaan grew up playing football as often as he could.
He continued to play in Deniliquin with the Deniliquin & District Soccer Club, and now the Deniliquin Wanderers.
He now also umpires soccer - the first step in being paid to do something he loves.
Kaan hopes to progress to professional soccer in the future.
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