HOCKEY

Places in the 2025/26 IAS Hockey squad are awarded to athletes identified via Hockey NSW Performance and Pathways program. Athletes do not need to nominate or trial as the squad is selected by Hockey NSW.

HOCKEY

TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR HOCKEY CAREER

The IAS Hockey Program is designed to support the developmental needs of the regions young talented hockey athletes by providing industry leading high-performance sport development programs. The aim of the program is to provide additional skill development on top of club or school-based training.

Scholarships are offered for a 12-month period commencing in October and concluding in September.

The scholarships are a fee-free program and are proudly funded by local and state governments, plus community partners.

OUR PROGRAM PROVIDES TRAINING, COACHING AND COMPETITION WITH A VIEW TO:

Develop athletes’ fundamental skill level to enhance their opportunities for selection into NSW State squads and teams
Prepare athletes for seamless transition to any NSW State Team program or pathway
Increase the level of athlete success in Basketball competition and events nationwide
Provide an introduction and progression into sport specific strength and conditioning
Provide education around athletic and personal development, including nutrition, sport psychology, media skills, leadership, and drugs in sport
The program will conduct weekly skills based and strength and conditioning training to which attendance is expected

ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible for the 2025/26 program athletes must:

Reside within the Illawarra Region, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven and Wingecarribee local government areas
Be a registered member with Hockey NSW through an Association within the Illawarra region
Be turning of 16-18 during 2025 (born in 2007, 2008 or 2009)

SELECTION PROCESS

Each applicant is reviewed by an independant selected panel of coaches, administrators and invited representatives. The IAS decision/s regarding athlete selection is based on objective and subjective measures and the IAS hold final responsibility for the selection of athletes.

Athletes should demonstrate the following qualities;

Physical abilities and physical skills considered to be essential for eventual success in hockey
An ability to apply coaching & technical instruction
Attitude, commitment and dedication to improving performance
Potential to be selected for Hockey NSW state teams within 12 months
Ability or potential to work as part of a team to achieve excellence

NOTE: Subjectivity is an unavoidable element of selection to the IAS Hockey Squad.

SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES

Beginning in the 2025-26 scholarship year, the IAS will be offering both its traditional, fully supported places AND self-financed places to selected athletes.

For further financial assistance, explore the Grow A Star and Local Sporting Champions grants.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

IAS athletes are required to purchase the IAS squad uniform, they also are required to contribute to additional components of the programs such as camps