The Tigers Academy for 2024 will aim to give players that are aiming to play at state level or above the opportunity to develop their individual skills to help them reach their hockey goals. Training will primarily be run on field at all major hockey centres around the state to make sure there are players that do not miss out on the opportunity to receive quality development.

Each age group will aim to receive 3 training blocks throughout the year, the primary training block for each age group will be prior to their respective State Championship for that year to make sure athletes are fully prepared for the championship and potential state selection. The primary training block will include a Statewide Match Day at the end of the training block to prepare players and coaches for the State Championship and to educate them on Ways of Play.

Selection Criteria

The Academy will be split into the following age groups with each age group having certain criteria around eligibility:

U14s – all age eligible state representatives for u14s and u12s from the previous year including train-ons, clubs may also nominate players that they have identified as having potential to train in this group that are above the age of 12. Nominated players must be accepted by the Academy coach.

U16s – all age eligible state representatives from the previous year (u16s and aged out u14s) including train-ons, clubs may also nominate players that they have identified as having potential to train in this group that are above the age of 14. Nominated players must be accepted by the Academy coach.

U18s – all age eligible state representatives from the previous year (u18s and aged out u16s) including train-ons. Academy coaches may also invite players that sit outside this criteria to train in this group.

U21s – all age eligible state representatives from the previous year (u21s and age out u18s) including train ons. Academy coaches may also invite players that sit outside this criteria to train in this group.

Training Groups are likely to differ in each region depending on number of athletes in each group.

Training Blocks

Each Age group will aim to have 3 training blocks throughout the year. 2 of these will be aimed as technical development and 1 will be aimed as tactical development. 

Technical Blocks

2 training blocks focused on Technical skill development, these will be on pitch sessions with specific skill focused for each training block such as tackling or goal scoring but will also have a heavy focus on the development of players individual skills. These blocks will also include some match play during each session.

Tactical Blocks (Primary Training Block)

1 training block focused on Tactical development, these will include on and off pitch sessions. The on pitch sessions will include pressing and out letting structures, set pieces and walk throughs of game situations. The off pitch sessions will include whiteboard and video sessions to help with players understanding of the structures and game scenarios. Developing coaches will be invited to the Tactical training block to gain an understanding of Ways of Play and tactical structures. 

In addition to the on-field delivery of sessions we will also be running off field sessions with national squad members such as Josh Beltz, Hayden Beltz and Maddie Brooks. We are also looking at the opportunity to build in some wider learning around nutrition, recovery and strength and conditioning in association with the TIS. This should give our athletes a better understanding of what is required of them to reach the highest level.

Coaching Pathway

Our new Academy system will also align our coaching pathway with our new players pathways. Coaches that are involved in coaching at the State Championships will be invited to Academy sessions to further develop their skills and progress towards their own coaching accreditations. Should there be any additional coaches that are seeking development that are currently coaching at club, regional or state level they will also have the opportunity to continue to develop their coaching by being a part of the Academy sessions. We hope that there will also be opportunities for coaches to have off field activities with National level coaches like how the players will get to meet national level players.

There is an annual fee of $100 for those players in the Academy to cover administration and training shirts. Please use the link below to sign up: 

Tigers Academy Registration 2024 | Hockey Tasmania

Please note that training dates, times and locations are subject to change dependent on turf availability and other determining factors.

Please contact Josh Mardell for any enquiries regarding the Tassie Tigers Academy:

E-Mail: joshua.mardell@hockeytasmania.com.au