A talented teenager from Pontypridd has launched a fundraising campaign to help realise his dream of representing Great Britain at the 2026 European Inline Hockey Championships in Ireland later this year.
Rhys Castle's International Ambition
Rhys Castle, a 14-year-old roller hockey goaltender with the Cardiff Reapers and Deeside Predators, is just a few steps from achieving his goal, but must first impress the coaches when he makes his international debut at the prestigious State Wars tournament in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in July. The youngster has been selected to play in the tournament for the Great Britain U17 squad — his first ever international call-up — and knows a strong performance stateside could be his ticket to Ireland. But for that to happen, he will need to get there.
"The coaches have told us those making the trip to the US will be considered for the European Championships, which is an incredible opportunity; I might just need a little help getting there," said Castle.
Family Support and Fundraising Efforts
For Rhys's parents, watching their son earn this recognition has been a source of immense pride, but the cost of international travel, accommodation, kit, and tournament fees represents a significant financial challenge. To help Rhys focus on his hockey, they have helped him create a GoFundMe campaign to support getting him to the United States.
"We are supporting Rhys as much as we can because we have watched him put everything into roller hockey and we are incredibly proud, not just as his parents, but as a Welsh family watching one of our own represent Great Britain. However, the costs involved in travelling internationally are significant for a family like ours and we want to make sure he can focus entirely on his performance," said Rhys's mum, Vickie Castle.
Pen y Fan Challenge in Goalie Gear
As part of his fundraising efforts, Rhys will be taking on one of Wales's most iconic challenges. On May 30, he will be climbing Pen y Fan in full ice hockey goaltender gear, joined by teammates from his roller and ice hockey clubs, members of the local rugby community, and supporters who want to help him on his way. The sponsored climb is set to raise both funds and spirits ahead of his departure for the United States, and will no doubt turn a few heads on the Brecon Beacons.
Dedication and Coaching Praise
Rhys, who has also turned out for the Cardiff Devils and Swindon Wildcats junior ice hockey academies this season, has been playing senior roller hockey alongside his dad, Gareth, since the age of 12. His coach, Tristan Lucas, says the level of commitment Rhys shows across both codes sets him apart from his peers.
"Representing your country is the pinnacle for any sportsperson, and Rhys has shown the dedication and ability to earn that opportunity at just 14 years old. To compete at senior level alongside his dad while also developing his ice hockey craft is a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about his hunger to compete at the very highest level," said Lucas.
State Wars: A Stepping Stone to Glory
State Wars is one of North America's premier inline hockey tournaments, attracting clubs and representative sides from across the United States and beyond. The tournament provides an elite competitive environment and is widely regarded as one of the most important proving grounds for young players with international aspirations. For Rhys, travelling to Fort Wayne as part of the GB Bipha U17 squad represents not only his first taste of international competition, but the platform upon which his European Championship hopes will be built.
European Championships Dream
The 2026 European Inline Hockey Championships, organised by World Skate Europe and hosted by Inline Hockey Ireland, bring together the continent's finest junior talent and represent the pinnacle of the sport at Under-17 level. For a 14-year-old from Pontypridd, a place on that start line in Ireland would be the culmination of everything he has worked for.
Mum Vickie said: "We're grateful for any support, even the smallest donations will make a difference, and every pound will get Rhys closer to his dream."
Support Rhys at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rhys-international-roller-tournaments-2026
