NOT many people get the chance to compete for their country in Australia.

Even fewer get the opportunity to do so twice in five months.

However, that is the exciting prospect facing Harwich schoolgirl Emma Joslin, as she prepares to represent the UK Down Under.

The 15-year-old competes in polocrosse – a combination of polo and lacrosse – and has been chosen for the 16 and under category at the upcoming Australian Junior Classic, in April.

In addition, she is about to start training with the UK’s under-16s, with a view to competing in Oz again in August.

It promises to be an incredible spring and summer for the Harwich and Dovercourt High School student, who helped her team come second at last year’s National Championships.

She has only been playing for one season but is already making quite an impact in the fast-growing sport.

“Emma’s had a lot of success in a short amount of time,” said proud mum Rachel Griffin, who, like her daughter, also plays for Harwich and Dovercourt Hockey Club.

“She’s only been doing it for one season but she’s very talented and committed.

“We went to one training session, then another and that led to people suggesting we put her name forward for Australia.

“And she’s one of only a dozen children selected for training with the under-16s.

“It’s certainly all go. We didn’t expect so much to happen this quickly but we’re all really pleased and excited.”

Joslin, who plays for Warwickshire polocrosse team Arden, will fly into Sydney ahead of the Classic event, having been selected by the UK Polocrosse Association.

Competitors will take part in a warm-up tournament before pitting themselves into the proper action.