Hockey

Who is Eligible

Male and Female athletes aged 16-18 years in 2023 (born in 2007 - 2005), who live in the Northern Inland region, and are a member of a Hockey NSW affiliated association (or be prepared to join).

Selection Process & Criteria

Athletes will be offered a place in the 2022/23 Hockey Program based on performance at selection trials and through talent identification processes, including attitude and commitment to Hockey.  

ALL Athletes considering a position need to attend BOTH the following selection days in Tamworth:

Saturday 29 October 10am - 1pm @ Scully Park for Generic Fitness Testing (ALL Sports)

Sunday 30 October - Sport Specific Hockey Selection Trials

The following Hockey NSW Athlete Success Profile will be used as part of the sport specific selection trials:

1. Technically Skilled
2. Tactically Smart
3. Mentally Prepared and Skilled
4. Striving for Personal Excellence on and off the pitch 
5. High Physical Capacity and Robustness

HockeyNSW Athlete Success Profile

Program year

This opportunity will be offered from November 2022 to April 2023 with a skill based technical and tactical program during the Hockey off-season, along with off-pitch performance support.  

Please find below the proposed 2022/2023 NIAS Hockey Program and note that these dates are subject to change.

3 x Regional Training Sessions in 2022

Trials: 29 & 30 October – Tamworth (as above)

12/13 November – Induction & Training Session 1 (Tamworth)

26/27 November – Training Session 2 

10/11 December – Training Session 3 

3 x Regional Training Sessions in 2022

28/29 January* - Inter Academy Challenge (Newcastle)

4/5 February – Training Session 4 

25/26 February – Training Session 5 

18/19 March – Training Session 6 

Your Local Club Academy Games: 21-23 April 2023 (Wagga Wagga) 

This primarily "off season" skill program is designed to provide players with increased skills and fitness to better prepare them for selection into higher levels of respresentation eg.NSW squads and school representative squads. 

Program content

The program is held within the region throughout November to April, and 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.

Conditioning sessions focus on the importance of building core strength to improve posture, balance and technique - both speed and an introduction to core strength sessions are conducted. This program provides performance support and covers education sessions on sport psychology, nutrition, mental health and resilience, communication training, and other opportunities. 

The program consists of 6 regional training sessions held in either Armidale and Tamworth, as well as weekends participating in the Inter-Academy Challenge and the Clubs NSW Your Local Club Academy Games.

Program Outcomes

This program is designed to provide athletes with increased technical and tactical skills, education and performance support to better prepare them for higher levels of representation and competition: state, national, international.

Appeals

Athletes who feel the selection criteria has not been adhered to, should be aware that NIAS has a formal 'Appeals' process available.

Contact NIAS if you would like to make an appeal and recieve feedback on your application. 

Athlete Benefits

• Training support by quality regional, guest and state level coaches
• Attendance in Performance Support activities eg. Nutrition, Strength & Conditioning, Sport Psychology and more
• NIAS merchandise - training shirt, polo, shorts and socks to be purchased by new athletes. Returning athletes may purchase individual items as required. 
• Individual home training program and structured satellite training sessions
• Invitations to special events and opportunities, including the annual Academy Awards.

Athlete Commitment 

• Be committed to a holistic approach to their development on and off the field.
• Comply with the training requirements and respond in a positive manner to any feedback.
• Maintain an appropriate level of commitment to continue in the program.
• Behave and dress in an appropriate manner when representing the NIAS and its sponsors.
• Wear NIAS apparel when representing NIAS at events.
• Make yourself available (within reason) to sponsors and the media for promotional purposes.
• Adhere to Sport Integrity Australia and NIAS Athlete Code of Conduct
• Abide by the Office of Sport Play by the Rules
• Maintain communication with NIAS and coaching staff as required.

Cost

Athlete Levy:  $TBA. This levy covers training camps, a cap, coaching, performance support services (including sport psychology, nutrition, fitness testing), Academy Awards and invitations to special events.

Academy Challenge (Newcastle): $TBA - includes registration, travel, accommodation and performance support services.

Your Club Academy Games (Wagga Wagga) : $330 - includes registration, insurance, accommodation and meals.

NIAS Hockey Clothing Pack:  $TBC (Includes NIAS polo shirt, training shirt, training shorts, tracksuit pants, hoodie and ankle socks). Additional NIAS merchandise available for purchase: 

Applications

Open Date: 09 September 2022
Close Date: 21 October 2022

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

Applications currently closed