Hockey NSW Performance Pathway

Hockey NSW will confirm your invite to the program shortly!

INVITATIONAL ONLY

The SSA 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 SSA at events, inter‑academy sessions and camps.

Program Partners

Hockey_NSW_Logo
UAA_Logo_1

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 $400 + 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*
  • High-performance support (athlete education including nutrition and psychology)
  • Athlete Management System access*
  • Access to Academy Games* (relevant sports/age groups only)
  • Administration and other athlete support
  • 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)

  • 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