Hockey

Who is Eligible

Male and Female athletes aged between 16-18 in 2020 (born in 2002 - 2004) live in the Northern Inland region, be a member of a Hockey NSW affiliated association (or be prepared to join).

Selection Process

Up to 14 Male and 14 Female athletes will be offered a place in the Hockey Program based on performance at selection trials and or via talent identification processes. Selection will also be based on your attitude and commitment to Hockey.  Trials will take place on Saturday 21st October in Tamworth, girls from 10am to 12noon and boys from 1pm to 3pm.   

Program year

Scholarship offered is for a 12 month period, November 2019 to March 2020 with skill based technical and tactical program during Hockey off-season.  Refer to events on webpage to confirm training sessions.  There will be a minimum of 36 hours of training on the turf. 

 

Please find below the confirmed dates for the 2019 NIAS Hockey Program.  Please note training sessions will run from 8am to 11am each time.   Please note all training sessions are compulsory, exceptions are made for illness, injury, school excursions and competing at a  Representative Hockey Event.  An email must be sent to your head coach with a copy to the NIAS Office prior.   Failure to attend may see you lose your position in the 2018 NIAS Hockey program 

 

Trials Sunday, 27th October: Tamworth Hockey Fields, Time: TBC

T1: Sunday 3rd November – Tamworth

T2: Sunday 17th  November – Armidale 

T3: Sunday 1st December – Tamworth

Inter Academy Weekend: 14th-15th December (Armidale) 

T4: Sunday 2nd February – Tamworth
NIAS life skills Education Day - February date tbc 
T5: Sunday 8th March  - Armidale
T6: Sunday 22nd March Tamworth 

 

ClubsNSW Academy Games Friday 3rd-5th April
NIAS Awards Night to be confirmed.

 

Satellite training sessions to be run weekly in Armidale and Tamworth – times to be confirmed.  

Off season skill program is designed to provide players with increased skills and fitness to better prepare them for selection into NSW squads and school representative squads

.Program Outcomes

Selection Criteria

The following specific skills and tests can be conducted as part of the selection process at trials.

1. 1st Touch quality
2. Off ball awareness
3. Off Ball movement
4. Awareness of role out-letting
5. Awareness of role pressing
6. Endurance- 20m shuttle run or similar test
7. Decision making with the ball
8. Passion to succeed
9. Speed
10. Receiving front
11. Receiving reverse
12. Receiving going forward
13. Receiving- turning with strength
14. Receiving under pressure
15. Elimination 1V1
16. Elimination 2V1
17. Defensive Skills.

Appeals

Subjectivity is an unavoidable element in all selections. Athletes who feel the selection criteria has not been adhered to should be aware that NIAS has a formal 'Appeals' process available.

Program content

Skill sessions and camps are held within the region throughout November to April. The skills program follows a structured approach concentrating on a range of individual skills early in the program which lead into team skills involving concept skills and game strategies. Guest coaches ensure that the program remains fresh and interesting and athletes are presented with new ideas and different perspectives to encourage their learning. Fitness sessions focus on the importance of building core strength to improve posture, balance and technique - both speed and an introduction to weights sessions are conducted.  In May-June players are required to attend the NIAS RACE program. This program covers education sessions on sport psychology, sports medicine, nutrition, public speaking, media training, sun protection and career skills. The squad competes in the Annual Clubs NSW Academy Games each April.

The program consists of approximately 10 regional training sessions held in either Armidale and Tamworth.   One session may include an inter Academy visit.    Dates for 2018 program are to be confirmed please refer to events on webpage to confirm training sessions.

Athlete Benefits:

• Intensive training support by quality regional, guest and state level coaches.
• GROWTH Day 
• NIAS merchandise- training shirt, polo, shorts, cap and socks to be purchased by new athletes, returning athletes may purchase individual items as required. Additional items available for purchase.
• Individual home training program and structured satellite training sessions
• Sport Science fitness testing and support.
• 1 Ticket to annual awards night.
• Travel Assistance to attend NIAS regional training sessions and camps.
• Financial assistance if selected into state team.
• Fully Paid Athlete Levy scholarships due to financial hardship available.

Athlete Commitments

• Attend all program activities.
• Hockey is no 1 sport while on scholarship.
• Be committed to a holistic approach to their development, both on and off the field.
• Comply with the training requirements and respond in a positive manner to any suggestion or criticism.
• Maintain an appropriate performance standard to continue to receive a scholarship.
• Behave and dress in a professional and dignified manner when representing the NIAS and its sponsors.
• Wear Academy apparel when representing the Academy at events.
• Make yourself available (within reason) to sponsors and the media for promotional purposes.
• Adhere to NIAS anti-Doping policy.
• Maintain communication with NIAS and coaching staff as required.

Cost

Athlete levy:  $190 GST inclusive.  This levy covers training camps, coaching support, Life Skills Education Day, fitness testing, Awards Night ticket)
Sports Trip:  $190 GST inclusive. This is an approximate number, can change depending on tour activities.

Academy Games: $250 GST inclusive. This is for the female athletes selected to represent NIAS at the Academy Games.

Hockey Clothing Pack:  $TBC (Includes NIAS polo shirt, cap, training shirt, training shorts, tracksuit pants, hoodie and ankle socks).  Additional NIAS merchandise can be purchased.

Athlete levy support programs are available for those experiencing financial difficulty.

Applications

Open Date: 26 August 2019
Close Date: 05 November 2019

For further information please contact the NIAS office on 67 662526 or email nias@nias.org.au

Applications currently closed