In October and November 2025, Hockey WA will introduce the highly successful Emerging Thundersticks Program for regional athletes in the Great Southern. 

This program will provide the following:

• Ongoing Talent ID of our regional state athletes across the region.
• To maintain the connection and development strategies with Hockey WA Performance coaches. 
• Reduce travel to Perth
• Receive training from Hockey WA State Performance & Pathways Coaches (from Perth)
• Prepare age groups for the State trials. On this occasion, for the Under 16 aspiring athletes 

See all the information below. 

Important information

Age groups (12-16) will be separated into age brackets. If athletes would like to train with the other age groups, please advise coaches upon arrival each day. 
During each session coaches will likely assess athletes against the quality of the group. If coaches recommend an athlete needs to change groups for matched skill level, regardless of age, they will do so. 

Goalkeeper training will be incorporated into training sessions. 
The training for goalkeepers during these sessions will focus on repetitive efforts and developing their first touch and clearance work.  
Hockey WA plans to have a specialist goal keeper trainer at this session. 

Squad Details:

Dates:

Session 1: Saturday 18th October 2025 @ 3.00pm to 5.00pm

Session 2: Sunday 19th October 2025 @ 8.00am to 10.00am

Session 3: Saturday 15th November 2025 @ 3.00pm to 5.00pm

Week 4: Sunday 16th November 2025 @ 8.00am to 10.00am

Times:

As mentioned above

Venue:

Mount Barker Hockey Turf

Note: This venue has been chosen to allow Central Great Southern and Ongerup athletes to attend, saving travel time for athletes living in those regions. 

Cost:

$240.00 for all four sessions (Total of 8 Hours)
Includes: Turf Hire, Coach Travel costs, and program delivery.  

Note: For this program to take full control of your development, we encourage you to participate in all four sessions.  

If you have any queries please contact Tristram Woodhouse.

Tristram.Woodhouse@hockeywa.org.au