IMPORTANT UPDATE: NEW DATES

In October 2026, Hockey WA will revisit 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 season including Youth INternational Gryphon Cup and State development squad trials coming soon at the end of the year for all age groups. 

See all the information below. 

Important information

Age groups 12-18. If you are aged 11 and turning 12 in 2026, you are eligible . If you are 17, turning 18 this year, you are also eligible. 

During sessions 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.   

Squad Details:

Dates:

Session 1: Thursday 22nd October 2026 @ 5.00pm to 7.00pm 

Session 2: Friday 23rd October 2026 @ 6.00am to 7.30am

Times:

As mentioned above

Venue:

Albany 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:

$120.00 for both sessions 
Includes: , 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