RGS student Jack Whelan says he has a long-term ambition to compete in the Olympics after being named as the Hockey Writers’ Club Junior award winner for 2014.

The Reading player was named joint winner of the award alongside Ollie Rogerson of Beeston Hockey club at a ceremony held at Royal Thames Yacht Club in Knightsbridge on January 20.

Whelan has enjoyed a breakthrough year at international and club level in 2014, with the youngster receiving a call-up to represent England under-16s at the Four Nations tournament in Spain in July, as well as featuring for his club’s first team.

But Whelan is targeting greater achievements in the future, for both himself and his team, with a play-off place in the men’s Premier Division a real possibility for Reading and further international honours on his mind.

He said: “After a lot of people were writing us off this season we have a chance of still getting in the top four of the premier division.

“Scoring for England under-16s on my debut against Ulster was memorable. I couldn’t stop smiling; in the long term competing in the Olympics is my aim.”

His impressive form at club level, including goals against Beeston and Hampstead and Westminter, helped propel him into the national set-up where he scored against Belgium in the aforementioned Four Nations.

The opportunity to play in England’s premier hockey league has undoubtedly aided his development, and Whelan is grateful for the opportunities he has been handed.

He said: “Standing alongside the likes of Richard and Simon Mantell and Jonty Clarke at my first training session was an inspiration.

“I was amazed at how welcoming they all were. The club went for youth and that has given me a chance to play in the first team. I can't thank them enough.”