MISSING his mates and kicking a footy around the field.
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Storm junior Jai Spittles is one of many young athletes suffering from COVID-lockdown and its implications on playing sport.
It's been almost one month since the 13 year-old stepped out for a footy match with Lithgow Storm and not knowing when he will be able to again, is a thought he can't bare.
"I miss training, game days and versing other teams," he said.
"Lockdown is boring I can't visit any of my family or have mates over and I can't train or play footy."
The Lithgow High School student has been playing rugby league for eight years and says he loves kicking a ball with mates and representing his club.
He's hopeful lockdown in regional NSW will end on September 11 so he can partake in the 2021 semi finals.
"My fingers are crossed," he said.
In the meantime Jai has been spending every spare moment with a ball at his feet and his boots strapped on.
"Every chance I get I go down and kick goals or I annoy mum, dad and my brothers to play footy with me," he laughed.
Jai's mum Jasmine said he was "a very active kid" and lockdown was pushing him to his limits.
"Any chance he gets he's outside on his bike or down at the footy oval kicking the ball, he's always involved in multiple sports," she said.
"He is always on the go and has to be busy so he isn't coping being stuck at home all the time."
She hoped lockdown ends soon so Jai and his peers and other children could get back into playing sports they love.
"In a society with technology growing rapidly and physical activity taking a back seat, it is more important than ever to get our kids back out playing sport sooner than later, not only for their physical health but mentally as well," she said.
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