Hockey WA's Emerging Thundersticks Program expands to the Regions

Hockey WA is continuing its commitment to regional athlete development with the rollout of the Emerging Thundersticks Program across the Midwest, Great Southern, and South West regions in October and November 2025.

Following a successful September visit to the Midwest, the upcoming sessions aim to strengthen pathways for aspiring hockey players and maintain strong connections between regional talent and Hockey WA’s Performance & Pathways team.

The Emerging Thundersticks Program is designed to:

• Identify and nurture regional athletes with state-level potential.
• Provide direct access to Hockey WA’s State Performance & Pathways Coaches.
• Minimise travel to Perth by delivering high-quality training locally.
• Prepare athletes for State Trials, with a focus on Under 16 age groups.
• Incorporate specialist goalkeeper training, focusing on first touch and clearance work.

Hockey WA is collaborating with associations in the Goldfields and Wheatbelt regions to broaden the program’s reach into additional regional communities.

Midwest Program – Geraldton

Age Group: 13–17
Venue: Geraldton Hockey Turf

Session Dates & Times:

• Tuesday 14 October | 4:00pm–7:00pm (IDP: 6:00pm–7:00pm)
• Wednesday 15 October | 6:00am–7:30am
• Tuesday 4 November | 4:00pm–7:00pm (IDP: 6:00pm–7:00pm)
• Wednesday 5 November | 6:00am–7:30am

This program encourages full participation across all sessions to maximise development outcomes. Athletes will be nominated by their local associations.

Great Southern Program – Mount Barker

Age Group: 12–16 (grouped by skill level, not strictly age)
Venue: Mount Barker Hockey Turf

Session Dates & Times:

• Saturday 18 October | 3:00pm–5:00pm
• Sunday 19 October | 8:00am–10:00am
• Saturday 15 November | 3:00pm–5:00pm
• Sunday 16 November | 8:00am–10:00am

Mount Barker was selected to reduce travel for athletes from Central Great Southern and Ongerup.

South West Program – Bunbury

Age Group: Under 16
Venue: Bunbury Hockey Stadium

Session Dates & Times:

• Saturday 1 November | 3:00pm–5:00pm
• Sunday 2 November | 8:00am–10:00am
• Saturday 15 November | 3:00pm–5:00pm
• Sunday 16 November | 8:00am–10:00am

Athletes will be nominated by their local associations (Bunbury, Busselton, Collie, Warren), with future sessions planned for other towns in early 2026.

These regional programs are a vital part of Hockey WA’s strategy to ensure equitable access to elite development, regardless of location. By bringing expert coaching and performance pathways directly to regional communities, Hockey WA is helping young athletes stay connected, supported, and prepared for the next level.

For more information, contact your local Hockey Club or Association.

Hockey WA's Emerging Thundersticks Program is proudly supported by ManagedIT.