Hockey

Nominations for the 2026/27 program open in August

Register Your Interest

The NIAS Hockey program is delivered in partnership with Hockey NSW and the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network.

This program provides a high‑performance development pathway for talented young Hockey players, focusing on technical skills, strength and conditioning, athlete education, and personal growth. It aligns with the Hockey NSW Futures Pathway and connects athletes to state and national pathways.

Athletes receive targeted skill development, seasonal training support, and preparation for high‑performance tournaments. The program includes practical education in areas such as S&C, nutrition, sports psychology and injury management, along with opportunities to represent NIAS at events, inter‑academy sessions and camps.

Program Partners

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Selected athletes receive:

  • High‑quality coaching in a squad environment
  • Access to quality training facilities
  • Strength & Conditioning assessment and programming
  • Sports science testing and high‑performance training support
  • Opportunities to represent NIAS at events
  • Education in technical, tactical, and personal Hockey development
  • Academy uniform kit (additional cost)
  • Participation in Your Local Club Academy Games and other Inter-Academy events
  • Identification and nomination for progression opportunities into Hockey NSW Futures talent programs

Additional NIAS benefits:

  • Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
  • Support for award and scholarship nominations
  • Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
  • Promotion through NIAS media channels

Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Be aged 14–18 years (U16 & U18 cohorts)
  • Be committed to progressing to higher representation within Hockey
  • Be a registered member of a Hockey NSW affiliated club within the Northern Inland region.
  • Be nominated by Hockey NSW or attend NIAS trial
  • Reside in one of the following LGAs: Armidale, Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Uralla, and Warrumbungle.
An athlete scholarship levy will apply, covering the above listed program benefits and more. Uniform costs are additional, with Hockey‑specific and NIAS items purchased through the official supplier. Additional event costs may apply for Academy Games and other pathway events.

Program Delivery Period
October 2026 to April 2027

Key Dates
Academy Games: 10-12 April 2027

Head Coach
Greg Doolan

Coach Girls
Craig Mackay

Assistant Coach Girls
Shae Bradford

Coach Boys
Conor Smith

Assistant Coach Boys
Steffan Fastier

Girls U18s
Anna George
Ella Tanna
Eva Hayes
Heidi Zwiers
Laura Hall
Lola Keech
Lucy Deiderick
Olivia Fitzpatrick
Philippa Mattheus

 

Girls U16s
Addison Grobler
Amber Willoughby
Charlotte Williams
Clara Richards
Elsie Piddington
Hannah Diehm
Lila Straw
Lily Donaldson
Macy Marshall
Tabitha Havas
Taylah Swilks
Taylah Townsend
Taylor Randell
Tilly Patterson

Boys U18s
Archie Clarke
Elijah Love
Henry Richards
Isaac Kelly
Jack Kellaway
Logan Hayward
Lucas Abra
Luke Schmude
Luke Whitty
Max Brown
Nathan Mumford
Oliver Burrows
Oliver Richards
Owen Mackay
Thomas Holmes
William Judd

Boys U16s
Aiden Lankester-Power
Angus Schmude
Blake Judd
Chase Mackay
Connor Sillitoe
Daniel Williams
Eliott Rodda
Howard Mackenzie
Hugh Ward
Noah Evans
Rhys Mackay
Thomas Bull
Tom Lorimer
Travis Mumford
Tyler Riggall