Experienced coaches to lead next crop of under-21s stars

The next coaches to lead WA’s crop of elite under-21s at the Hockey Australia Under-21s National Championships in Perth this July has been announced, with Tim Geers and Steph Andrews to lead the men’s and women’s sides respectively.

Men’s coach Tim Geers arrives at his role with the under-21s off the back of a championship win at the recent Hockey Australia Under-18s National Championships in Cairns, as well as several years coaching across WA’s state teams.

Former Hockeyroos Assistant Coach and current Head Coach of the Western Australian Institute of Sport’s Hockey Program, Steph Andrews, will bring elite-level experience to the women’s side, with hopes to challenge towards the top end.

Geers said he is honoured to take on the role which will see him nurture the next crop of athletes in WA.

“I am over the moon to be taking this role, particularly off the back of a successful campaign with the under-18s at the National Championships,” Geers said.

“The opportunity arose and for me it is about two things – my own personal ambitions as a coach – but also the exciting prospect of investing into the next crop of hockey stars in Western Australia.”

Andrews shared Geers' delight on taking on the role and says she is excited for the rare opportunity for the players to perform at home.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to be back in the WA State Team program – there’s some really talented players in WA in the under-21s age bracket,” Andrews said.

“It is pretty rare that the players get the opportunity to play at home, so we will relish the opportunity to perform in front of family and friends right here in Perth.”

The Hockey Australia Under-21s National Championships are always a challenge and Geers said he is excited to tackle it head on.

“Obviously our under-18s run was quite successful but the under-21s are very different,” Geers said.

“You are dealing with players who would now have a number of years in first division sides, so the competition is a lot harder, but my coaching principles will stay the same.

“You have to have the athletes buy into your vision first and foremost, the coaching will come thereafter – so I’m excited to take on this challenge.”

The Hockey Australia Under-21s National Championships commences from Wednesday 20 July until Wednesday 27 July at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University.

Nominations for players wanting to trial for the WA Under-21s State Team close this Sunday 1 May.

NOMINATE HERE