INUVIK - Lance Gray just passed the first trial in his goal to play in next year's Canada Summer Games.

Gray recently returned from a trip to Hay River, where he and roughly 30 other athletes fought to be shortlisted for the next sessions of training before the 2009 games.

Lance Gray is one of the soccer players chosen to advance in training for the Canada Summer Games in 2009. He recently participated in a training session in Hay River, where he was shortlisted for tryouts in November. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Gray said he heard about the tryouts two months ago, from teammate Dwight Carpenter.

"All I needed was a registration form," he said.

Once he got to Hay River, Gray had to work hard to be noticed.

"Instead of drills, they had us play four games," he said.

He said the other athletes were all around the same age group as him, which made the games well-rounded.

Gray said he felt he gave strong performances in the first games he played and was happy with his game.

Unfortunately for the young athlete, his ankle gave out halfway into the camp.

"I woke up one morning and it was sore, so I couldn't play," he said.

"I had to sit out for the last games, which was ok because I was able to speak to the coaches."

While on the bench with the coaches, Gray was able to find out more about what they liked in him.

"I was told that I had good fitness and a good first touch, and nice clean passing," said Gray.

He added that getting compliments from the officials was good for his spirits and it helped identify where he was succeeding.

"I wanted to ask them where I could improve, but I didn't get a chance," he said.

Training is always a part of life for the 15-year-old soccer star.

Now a part of the training squad, Gray is waiting for the next camp in November, when the team will be chosen.

Out of the original 30 participants, Gray said that only 20 of them made the cut.

"We're all required to be at the camp in November," he said.

Gray said he is happy to make it to this level, but he is not resting yet.

"It feels good to be chosen, but I still have a way to go yet," he said.

"I still have to make the actual team."

Since returning home, Gray has been a bit sick and has been resting.

He plans to be out practising and training like normal once he feels better.

Gray added that he keeps himself healthy by eating well and staying active.

He plans to attend the North American Indigenous Games in August with his friends.