Hockey development

Hockey Development Program 2026/27

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The WSAS Hockey T1 Development program is delivered in partnership with Hockey NSW and the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network.

This program provides a high‑performance Tier 1 development pathway for talented young Hockey players, focusing on technical skills, strength and conditioning, athlete education, and personal growth. This program underpins the Hockey NSW Futures Pathway and develops emerging athletes to enable them to progress into the Hockey NSW Futures Pathway and 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 WSAS 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 WSAS 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
  • Access to Sydney West Sports Medicine’s Long‑Term Athlete Development opportunities
 

Additional WSAS benefits:

  • Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
  • Support for award and scholarship nominations
  • Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
  • Promotion through WSAS 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 Western Sydney region.
  • Be nominated by Hockey NSW or attend WSAS trial
  • Reside in one of the following LGAs: Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Cumberland, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, Penrith, or The Hills.
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.
 
An athlete scholarship levy will apply, covering the above listed program benefits and more. Uniform costs are additional, with Hockey‑specific and WSAS items purchased through the official supplier. Additional event costs may apply for Academy Games and other pathway events.

Selection Timeline

  • Nominations Open: 2 October 2026
  • Nominations Close: 9 October 2026
  • Trials and/or Selection Period: 12 October 2026

Program Delivery Period

October 2025 – April 2026

Key Events (Indicative)

  • Your Local Club Academy Games: 17th-18th April, 2026 (Tamworth)
  • U16 National Titles: April 2026
  • U18 National Titles: July 2026
  • U18 Academy Challenge: TBC