Hockey

Who is Eligible

Male and Female athletes aged between 16-18 in 2021 (born in 2004 - 2006) live in the Northern Inland region, be a member of a Hockey NSW affiliated association (or be prepared to join).

Selection Process & Criteria

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 the October (Date TBC) in Tamworth.

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.

Program year

Scholarship offered is for a 6 month period, November 2021 to April 2022 with skill based technical and tactical program during Hockey off-season.  Refer to events on webpage to confirm training sessions throughout the season. 

Please find below the confirmed dates for the 2021/2022 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 2021/2022 NIAS Hockey program 

 

Please Note* We will plan on the following sessions pending COVID-19 restrictions. A priority for NIAS  is to ensure you have a completed program. If the sessions in 2021 are unable to take place as scheduled below due to COVID-19, we will endeavour to include 3 training weekends in early 2022 to ensure the program is completed in full. 

 

3 x training sessions prior to Christmas

Trials: 31st October – Tamworth (8.30am -11:30/12:00pm)

7th November – training Session 1 (Armidale)

21st November – training session 2 (Tamworth)

28th November – training session 3 (Armidale)

3 x training sessions post Christmas

20th February – training session 4 (Tamworth)

6th March – training session 5 (Tamworth

18th March – training session 6 (Armidale)

NIAS life skills Education Weekend - Date: TBC

5th/6th February – Inter-Academy Camp (Hunter)

Your Local Club Academy Games: 8th - 10th April 2022 (Wagga Wagga - hosted by Southern Sports Academy)
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 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. This program covers education sessions on sport psychology, sports medicine, nutrition, public speaking, media training, and career skills. The selected squads compete in the Annual Clubs NSW Your Local Club Academy Games each April. This program will also give opportunity for athletes to develop their umpiring skills in field hockey. 

The program consists of 6 regional training sessions held in either Armidale and Tamworth.   One session may include an inter Academy visit. 

Program Outcomes

This program is designed to provide athletes with increased skills and education to better prepare them for competition nationally and internationally.

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.

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

Athlete Benefits:

• Intensive training support by quality regional, guest and state level coaches.
• Attendance at the NIAS Life Skills Education Weekend (off-field education)
• 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 Commitment

• Attend all program activities.
• Hockey is number 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:  $195 GST inclusive.  This levy covers training camps, coaching support, Life Skills Education Weekend, fitness testing, Awards Night ticket

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.

We understand COVID-19 provides some uncertainty, however it is our priority to ensure each program is completed in full and will source avenues to make this happen. If this is unable to occur due to COVID-19, NIAS will look to provide partial refunds for  what has NOT been provided. 

Applications

Open Date: 01 September 2021
Close Date: 31 October 2021

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

Applications currently closed