Hockey DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Nominations Open Now

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The SSA Hockey development program is endorsed by Hockey NSW and the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network.

This program provides a development pathway for emerging young hockey players, focusing on improving technical skills, strength and conditioning, athlete education and personal growth. Aligned with the Hockey NSW Pathway, the program supports athletes to develop their skills and transition from the T1 to T2 stage of the pathway.

Athletes will train in conjunction with the High Performance Hockey Program, providing opportunities to learn and develop alongside higher-level athletes. They will also receive seasonal training support and practical education in areas such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology and injury management. The program is designed to complement athletes’ existing club and representative commitments while preparing them for future development opportunities.

Program Partners

Hockey_NSW_Logo
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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 SSA at events
  • Education in technical, tactical, and personal Hockey development
  • Academy uniform kit (additional cost)
  • Opportunity to be considered for selection to represent SSA at the Academy Games
 

Additional SSA benefits:

  • Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
  • Support for award and scholarship nominations
  • Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
  • Promotion through SSA 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 Southern region.
  • Attend SSA trial
  • Reside in one of the Southern LGA catchment areas, which are: Albury, Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Edward River, Federation, Greater Hume, Griffith, Hay, Hilltops, Junee, Leeton, Lockhart, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Snowy Valleys, Temora, Wagga Wagga, Wentworth
An athlete scholarship levy of $500 + GST applies and covers the program benefits outlined above, along with a range of additional athlete development opportunities throughout the season.
 
The athlete levy contributes towards the overall cost of delivering the Academy programs. Within our high performance programs are items including: 
 
  • Coaching*
  • Access to training facilities*
  • Strength & Conditioning assessments and programming*
  • Sports science testing*
  • Access to Academy Games* (relevant sports/age groups only)
  • Insurance
* Please note, Items marked with an Asterix are components supported through NSW Government grant funding. The grant contribution from the NSW government is limited to costs and activities identified in the approved Project Plan. The remaining portion of the athlete levy contributes towards costs associated with delivering and administering the Academy that are not covered by the NSW Government grant funding.

Program Delivery Period

October 2026 – April 2027

Key Events (Indicative)

  • Trial Day Sunday the 25th of October, Jubilee Hockey Fields Wagga. 10am-12pm
  • Mid October 2026 Academy to commence 8 week program – Block 1
  • October/November – Training Camp, Canberra (TBC)
  • 12-13 December 2026 U16 Super Camp (Select U16 athletes invited to attend)
  • Mid December 2026 Academy Block 1 Concludes
  • 17 December 2026 NSW U16 State & Blues Teams Announced
  • February 2027 Academy to commence Block 2
  • 19-21 March 2027 Hockey Academy Games (Tamworth)
  • 17-18 April 2027 U18 Super Camp
  • 22 April 2027 NSW U18 Teams Announced