Southern Sports Academy Hockey Squad will meet at least twice a month for training sessions from October 2023 - April 2024 for the Your Local Clubs Academy Games (break for Christmas), to receive the most professional coaching available in the area.

The program will provide coaching, training, and athletic development to improve athletes with a view to:
• Develop the fundamental skill level of athletes which will enhance their opportunities for selection into the Hockey NSW performance pathway
• Prepare athletes to a level where their transition to any representation ‘seamless’ in terms of programs or pathways;
• Increase the level of success of those athletes at competition and events.

In addition to the quality coaching, all scholarship holders in the Academy are also exposed to a range of workshops from our specialist consultants including workshops relating to Sports Psychology, Nutrition, Recovery, Athletic Development as well as receiving Strength and Conditioning training that is specific to their sport with complimentary gym membership.

The Southern Sports Academy understands there is a great deal more to being an outstanding athlete than what happens solely on the sporting field. To this end, the Academy provides professional tuition for its athletes on Personal Development related issues. Topics that are covered include (but are not restricted to) Leadership Skills, Goal Setting, Expectations and Obligations of the Professional Athlete, Responsible Use of Social Media, Time Management and Media Skills.

All this adds up to the Southern Sports Academy leading the way in terms of providing valuable development opportunities for junior athletes in the Southern NSW region.

To be eligible for consideration:

- Nominees must be 16-18 years old in 2024 (athletes born 2006, 2007, and 2008 inclusive)
- Open to athletes in Wagga, Griffith and Hockey Albury Wodonga
- Committed to progressing to higher representation within the sport of Hockey
- Currently residing or going to school within the SSA regional catchment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits are subject to Government Covid Restrictions

• Skills training sessions
• Induction and Leadership camp
• Muscular skeletal Screening and Athletic Development programming
• Workshops focussing on Sports Psychology, Strength and Conditioning and Sports Medicine. Workshops relating to
       athlete personal development will also be offered during the scholarship period
• Gym membership (dependant on partnerships within your local town)
• Online and face-to-face education relating to athlete personal development
• Annual presentation evening (sit down dinner - pending Covid restrictions)
• Southern Sports Academy uniform

TRIALS
Trials will be held on 23rd September 2023
Jubilee Park Hockey Fields, Wagga Wagga
Trials commence 10.00am
Conclude approximately 1.00pm

- CLOSING DATE: for Applications: 15 September 2023.
- TRIALS: Jubilee Park Wagga Wagga 

If selected for the Hockey squad you will be required to attend the following:
- COMPULSORY Induction and Development Camp 6-8th October 2023 

Further information is available by contacting the Academy on phone 0499 389 577 or email: cbreese@ssa-nsw.org.au

The selection process will take part as open trials (athletes are advised to arrive 20 mins early to be strapped and prepared)

Please bring Hockey shoes, on-turf wear, Hockey stick, Mouth Guard, and water bottle

NOTE:  If an athlete is unable to attend the trial, they should lodge this nomination with a letter clearly outlining reasons why an exemption should be granted for inability to attend. The application will be considered prior to the trial and the athlete will be notified if their exemption has been approved.