Newsletter: April - 2012
www.gchockeyacademy.org.au
“EVERYBODY IS WATCHING - LETS TAKE IT TO A NEW LEVEL” Welcome to another hockey season and the Gold Coast Hockey Academy’s first newsle8er for 2012. With the second year upon us at the Academy our key priority is to strive for conBnual improvement within our programs and services to enable all members with opportunity to reach their aspiraBons. Most are now familiar with the Academy model and Ber program. The Academy’s mission is both simple and achievable – to unite all players from all clubs in pursuit of excellence. It is also a priority of ours to ensure the Academy provides “something for everyone.” With this in mind a focus is to conBnue to source top quality matches for our members to view that were once confined to capital ciBes; extend training programs to all age groups inclusive of veterans; provide fitness classes to our members and parents with access to the Academy gymnasium; and of course provide professional learning experiences for coaches from all clubs to conBnue to develop their skills with the newly formed “coaches club” under the direcBon of Brent Livermore promoBng knowledge sharing. It is pleasing to see already this year the number of players that have commi8ed to Ber 1, 2 and 3 squads. Tier 1 is intense and focuses on high performance hockey whilst Ber 2 challenges our junior club players to work towards becoming a Ber one player in the future. Tier 3 encompasses representaBve hockey and this season is now upon us. RepresentaBve numbers are growing by the week. 2012 saw record numbers represent the Gold Coast and this year looks just as epic with our junior teams currently training showing enthusiasm and clientele to enter two teams per age group.
Have you got what it takes to put words into actions?
This coming weekend sees our senior men’s and women’s teams compeBng in the state Btles in Brisbane. We wish them luck in their pursuit of a medal and acknowledge and commend their commitment to Gold Coast Hockey. There has been change implemented within the state Btle model from HQ this year with the abolishment of premier league and the incepBon of super league – whereby the la8er will see Gold Coast merge with Tweed Border to form the best regional team in men’s and women’s hockey to compete at the state hockey centre in Brisbane in June. This will determine who the number one zone is in Queensland in men’s and women’s hockey. For those sBll unsure about taking up Academy membership I encourage you to contact Academy Administrator Malcom Rickard to gain a greater insight to what Academy program suits you. All programs operate under the direcBon of Olympic Gold Medallist Brent Livermore and the growth in all players within the first year of operaBon has been excepBonal. The Academy offers personalised technical development by accredited coaches to enhance player and team performance in addiBon to fitness and strength and condiBoning. Enjoy the reading that follows that showcases the talent and hard work of many academy members that have achieved and represented our associaBon with pride at recent naBonal and internaBonal tournaments. Their stories typify the Academy values that are embedded into their daily training and pracBce to ensure both personal and sporBng success. Sue Dalton -‐ Academy Director
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Gold Coast Hockey Academy News til April 2012
If EXCELLENCE is possible, GOOD is not enough
Coaches Club
Throughout 2012 the GC Hockey Academy has an iniBaBve to build coaches knowledge, resources and support to ensure we can all help develop the players with the similar language and coaching strategies. To date we have had 2 sessions which have been of huge success with strong supporBve messages that we are all learning from. Coaches Club is for anyone who would like to listen, learn or provide input in a relaxed environment where everyone is encouraged to ask or discuss there ideas.
GC Academy Gym and Fitness Program The Academy is fortunate to have amazing faciliBes for the athletes and all members.
The Academy Athletes train condiBoning, strength, power, injury rehab and prevenBon in the Academy gym on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday We can all learn from each other and this is a perfect secng for us all adernoon from 4.30pm to share ideas and strategies for both on field and off field endeavors. Fitnance Traineeships for all year 10, 11 and 12 Students is available for Please come along to our next session which will be 17th May. Cert 3 and Cert 4 in Fitnance. Fitnance are running programs Thursdays for the traineeships but are looking to grow this in 2012/2013. Club Fitness and Members Gym Memberships are available -‐ please contact the Academy for more info on this if you are interested.
Level 1 - Coach Accreditation It’s that Bme of the year again. Time to get your club and training into gear for 2012. On the 16th and 17th of February 2012 -‐ GCHA and Brent Livermore held a Level 1 Coaching AccreditaBon Course at GCHA Hockey Complex. It was open to anyone who is wishing to learn more about coaching and would like to become an accredited coach through Hockey Australia.
Personal Training A8enBon Hockey Mum’s and Dad’s: Don’t let your kids have all the fun at Hockey……why not kill two birds No previous accreditaBon was required to a8end. This is for Coaches, with the one stone, by joining our new….. Parents and Athletes. It was aligned with the HA iniBaBve and is a criBcal KPI for the program. The extension the GC Hockey Academy is PARENTS FITNESS TRAINING and / or MUMS MORNING BOOTCAMP. providing to this is the ongoing Coaches Club. Get fi8er, faster and stronger at the same Bme your children are training at the newly formed Gold Coast Hockey Gym. Training will include boot-‐ As menBoned above the newly formed coaches club has been established this year for coaches to meet monthly to discuss local camp, circuit and general fitness training designed to help you lose issues and developments in Hockey. weight, tone up and get stronger!! All parBcipaBng coaches will be invited to be part of this iniBaBve which is aimed at fostering and improve our sport for all members. Well done to all that have a8ended. To date we have 20 Coaches on the pathway to Level 1 AccreditaBon.
COST: only $100 for 10 SESSIONS! (Valid for 12 weeks) PARENTS FITNESS TRAINING Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday adernoons. 4:30pm session finishing at 5:15pm 5:25pm session finishing at 6:10pm MUMS MORNING BOOTCAMP Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9.15 am Ader school drop off sessions. CONTACT: For further informaBon contact Ma8 Lomas – 0400 345 129 mdlomas@hotmail.com (Fully qualified personal trainer)
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Gold Coast Hockey Academy News til April 2012 General administration Welcome back to the new season of Hockey. Our inaugural year proved to be an exciBng start to the academy programme culminaBng in 5 state premiership wins. This season we hope to build on this success by broadening the Academy Programs and offering addiBonal services that will be available to all GCHA members. Ader years without usage of the co8age, we have now moved the Academy in, providing us with more Admin space , meeBng rooms and athlete faciliBes. This will assist the Academy in providing its members with an even be8er support base.. To help celebrate the opening of the Academy Co8age, we are having a “house warming’ this coming Friday Night 11th May starBng at 6.30 pm. We invite all members of GCHA to join us for a sausage sizzle and a short presentaBon by Brent Livermore on the aims and direcBon of the Academy. Again on the Saturday morning we invite members to join us for a sausage sizzle on the lawn in front of the Academy Co8age. This year sees the introducBon of traineeships in partnership with the Fitnance organisaBon, which provides athletes with the opportunity to gain Cert 3 and 4 in personal fitness and training. The Gold Coast centre acts as the campus for these traineeships and they contribute towards their OP equivalent. We anBcipate that more athletes will be encouraged to parBcipate in these traineeships in the years ahead and take advantage of the faciliBes we have at the centre. Our Gym program was established last year and uBlised by our Tier 1 athletes as part of our agenda to provide “one stop shop” training to our athletes in both skills and fitness. Our Fitnance students are playing an acBve role in help improve the Gym faciliBes and will be the future trainers of our up and coming younger athletes . In addiBon, our qualified personal trainer Ma8 Lomas is offering classes for players , parents and other interested people wishing to get fit with Gym sessions, coinciding with junior trainings schedules and games. We encourage all members to take advantage of these faciliBes as we grow the equipment and offer more sessions to a wider secBon of our members and their friends. The Coaching Club has been established this year and two sessions have been completed, as well as our program for level one coaching courses. These courses and the Coaching club have been established to offer a higher level of coaching knowledge to our Gold Coast club and representaBve coaches and managers. These sessions have proved valuable for both new and seasoned coaches and we encourage all coaches to get involved with this iniBaBve. Our rep programme has begun and we are encouraging all our athletes to parBcipate as we nominate teams in all age groups for the respecBve State Titles and regional championships. Where we have the interest in the respecBve age groups, two or more teams will be sent. Brent, Craig and Drew are working with the appointed coaches in developing the teams and Academy Tier programs ,in order to perform well and be great ambassadors of our AssociaBng at the various state championships and carnivals. We invite and encourage all junior players to parBcipate in the Academy and extend the invitaBon to come along and trial with us so we can discuss opportuniBes for individual athletes regardless of their level and development stage. The aim of the Academy remains targeted at providing a broad training scope for our aspiring athletes as they reach for their goals . Good luck to all our athletes as they strive for their goals in 2012. Mal Rickard.
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GC ACADEMY - TIER 1
GC HOCKEY ACADEMY COTTAGE HOUSE WARMING BBQ AND INFO EVENING Boxes are unpacked Rooms decorated Fridge & pantry stocked & we want you to celebrate with us Friday 11th may 6.00pm – 10.00pm Saturday 12th may 9.00am – 12.00noon
Sausage sizzle Drop in for Dinner or Breakfast Check out our new Home
Great conversation All welcome Come & catch up on what we are all about
We are well onto way for the season 2012. For some of us who played in the World Series Hockey have already played a season of 14 games in 1 month, it was a good preseason to lid the spirit for season 2012 proper. Ader the successful 2011, it is now Bme for us all to raise the bar and not be saBsfied with short term success as it can camouflage key areas that need to be improved for long term success. We should always strive for bigger and be8er, and this means someBmes looking within, being innovaBve and stepping outside our comfort zone. Therefore since returning to the Academy from India all coaches and staff will look forward to some challenging Bme ahead and we will focus on bringing the athletes on the journey as they strive to develop and achieve with the RepresentaBve Season fast approaching.
GC ACADEMY TIER 2, 3 AND TIER V Since well before the start of the season Tier 2 squads have been going strong. While most have been relaxing and thinking of how rusty the first few weeks of the season will be, some have shown their true commitment to the goals they want to achieve this year in the U11, U13 and U15 age groups. Of late, this commi8ed group of players (they know who they are) has really started to shine in their respecBve age groups, to the point where at even such an early stage in the season, rep selectors, parents and general supporters are noBcing a general lid in the game quality across the board. Promising signs for the upcoming representaBve season!
Over the next month or so I plan to have all members of the GC Hockey Academy assessed in both physical and skill attributes, and by combining this with match assessment we will focus on developing areas that a deficient more prominently here on the Coast. My personal focus is to raise all levels and standards to ensure members are challenged and pushed which will build a toughness and resilience for all ages. Already in 2012 we have had some strong representation in U18s Nationals, Aust Schoolboys Trip and Aust Country Tour. This is a credit to the players involved and also the players who help them in training. Well done, please enjoy their stories in this newsletter. Also throughout this next period our focus will be to support the coaches in completing the Level 1 Accreditation and along the way support the club members with coaching and playing resources to share the messages. Lets dig deep and support each other.
Brent Livermore OAM -‐ Head Coach Director already ader only one week of training we have had a record number of veteran players show up to either sessions on Monday adernoon or Tuesday morning. The commitment and pure open mindedness to absorb absolutely everything thrown at them is outstanding and it’s great to see that compeBBve spark in everyone fire up more and more. TIER 3
That Bme of the year has come around again so fast, representaBve tournaments are bearing down on us with only seven weeks unBl the first game of the QLD U13s tournament and U15s being one week later. The word has slowly spread through every club that this year we want to have as much The pressure has been put on us here at the of a presence as possible at every academy now to expand even more. The tournament. All tournaments are relaBvely feeling in the air is that the other junior close by this year, the player base is there players don’t want these current Tier 2 and the skill is definitely there, so the target players to have all of the spot light. New is to have 2 teams go each tournament. Most faces are coming out of the woodwork and people will agree that these are the are eager to improve. For those who are sBll tournaments and experiences that sBck with considering it, now is the Bme to come and you forever so we want to give as many join these new faces. For Gold Coast hockey it people as possible the opportunity to put on can only be a good thing, let’s see what the black and gold and represent the Gold you’re all capable of! Coast in the best way they can. Squad numbers are sBll growing at each Thursday TIER V session for both age groups and final selecBon is sBll a while out, there a whole As the saying goes, ‘you can’t teach an old heap of players indicaBng why they should be dog new tricks’. Well apparently you can given the representaBve honour. because the veterans of the Gold Coast AssociaBon are showing up in droves to sharpen up their skills once again before their upcoming tournaments. Interest was first acted upon late last year for this concept and
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CHAMPIONS! U18S WOMENS NATIONALS
U18S QLD MEN FINISH 4TH Gold Coast was fortunate to have 4 players represenBng QLD in the U18s NaBonals in Brisbane throughout April. Corey Piggin, Corey Weyer, and Labrador BHL Players Josh Myno8 and Sco8 Harbison were also part of the team. Due to unfortunate injury to Luke Tyne, he had to pull out with ruptured ligaments in his ankle. Former Gold Coaster, Kyle Gildea recently moved to Melbourne was at the tournament represenBng Victoria. Queensland, who where quite a young team performed gallantly -‐ finishing in a disappoinBng 4th posiBon. They say they are disappointed based on the last game against WA. As they felt they should have won the bronze, as Vic and NSW where the standout teams. New South Wales have defeated Victoria (5-‐3) in a Bght contest at the State Hockey Center Brisbane today to take out the U18 NaBonal Championships. The hard fought game was between the two most dominant teams of the week, New South Wales and Victoria.
The Queensland Under 18 Girls recently travelled to newcastle to compete in the NaBonal Titles. Brooke Anderson and Madeleine James were part of the victorious QLD Womens side who were crowned champions.
Queensland was defeated by Western Australia (4-‐1) in the bronze medal match earlier in the day.
Brooke and Maddie said, “ this must be be4er than winning Olympic Gold in Athens.” Ader arriving we didn't waste any Bme gecng in to the compeBBon with a tough first phase taking on the top 3 teams of 2011, losing only to the slick New South Wales side 1-‐0. Ader a tesBng start we conBnued on to the finals remaining undefeated, finishing top of the table at the end of the round-‐ robin. We then took on South Australia in the semi final and came away with a convincing 4-‐0 win, leaving us in a great posiBon to take on the second placed Victoria in the final. Ader two disappoinBng finals losses to the Vics in 2010 and 2011 we were determined to get on top this year. The Queensland Under 18 Girls defeated the Victorians convincingly 6-‐1 in the final. The win is a credit to the efforts of both the coaching staff and players. We are both extremely proud to have been part of the winning side.
U18 Men NaBonal Championship Final Day Scores NSW 4 VIC 3 WA 4 QLD 1 TAS 6 SA 3 NT 6 ACT 2 Final Placing 1 NSW 2 VIC 3 WA 4 QLD 5 TAS 6 SA 7 NT 8 ACT PAST/ CURRENT CHAMPIONS: Debbie Bowman Sullivan • Born 4th July • As captain, she led the Australian Womens team to Olympic gold in Seoul in 1988. • HQLD Hall of Fames 2008 • Debbie has achieved her level 3 coaching accreditation.
Brooke & Maddie x
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COMMITTMENT - Courage to set goals and do whatever it takes to succeed.
AUSTRALIAN U16’S ALLSCHOOLS TOUR TO EUROPE. March 2012 saw 2 of our Gold Coast Hockey Academy Tier 1 Seniors parBcipate in an Adventure of a life Bme, doing what they love and only something that we dream of. Corey Piggin and Joel Schaefer were selected in the Australian U16 School Boys Hockey Team, as their luck would have it they were provided the opportunity to Tour Europe, they visited places such as France, Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands, to play against some of the world’s best U18 junior players. “It was an experience of a lifeCme and I can’t wait to tour again if given the opportunity” stated Corey Piggin “and I thank everyone that helped me get there” “To play against great teams like the Belgium team, provided me with further skills and confidence on the hockey field and the friends I made will last a lifeCme” Corey felt “The way they got the ball and gave the ball was really impressive, they used their players a lot more than we do. They seemed to have good Hockey Heads (knowledge of the game) they knew how to uClise each other to achieve the end result.” Joel stated that “I matured as a player and a person; it was a fantasCc opportunity to be able to take in the other cultures surroundings and lifestyles” “It was really good, it was a different style of hockey compared to what we are used to”, he said “They transfer the ball a lot so the game play was much faster. It was more physical than what we are used to from playing kids of our own age.” Joel wanted to say “Thanks heaps to my mum, because without her support and fundraising this opportunity would never have arisen.” According to the boys the Belgium team were the European Champions in 2011 and whilst they had several new players in the team, the new squad depth was sBll of a very high standard. Unfortunately the boys were unsuccessful against France and Belgium losing by one goal in each match; however the boys weren’t going to stop there, coming out and beaBng both Germany and Netherlands towards the end of the tour. CongratulaBons boys on a great tour and we wish you the best of luck in your future hockey endeavours. Australia v France – Match 1 result: 3-‐2 & Match 2 result: 2-‐1 Australia v Belgium – Match 3 result: 3-‐4 Australia v Netherlands – Match 4 result: 6-‐2 Australia v Germany – Match 5 result: 3-‐4, Match 6 result: 4-‐1
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COMMITTMENT - Courage to set goals and do whatever it takes to succeed.
INAUGRAL WORLD SERIES HOCKEY EVENT - INDIA 2012
From the first time I heard of World Series Hockey (WSH) and then subsequently signing on for it, I have always believed that this is an idea whose time had come. Hockey as a sport is inherently attractive to watch and we all enjoy the spectacle that 2 time each olympiad, either for the Olympic or Commonwealth Games. All it needed was the vision and financial backing to create a sustainable ecosystem, which I believe World Series Hockey will do. The experience in World Series Hockey has been further fortified post tournament after the exposure to the inaugural WSH with the Chennai Cheetahs. Everything was organized professionally, as athletes we were treated like professionals and had endless support from our franchise owner Mr. Nanwani - Granite Mine Owner. For the first time as an elite hockey player we were treated like super stars on and off the field. I enlightened it to the a NBA Basketballer - road trips, 5-6 star hotels, massage and recovery with the supporters culture and passion overflowing everyday in the media for the past 3 months but more so the 32 days of the tournament. As a franchise - the Chennai Cheetahs – should have been a strong for the league title simply because of the experience of our management staff and team list. With Spaniard Jose Brasa, we have a coach who is not only internally renowned, but also knows the local conditions extremely well having been coach of the Indian team. The franchise owner Mr Nanwani is a passionate hockey fan and it was both exciting and pressurizing having to play for a privately owned franchise. In the last decade, Indian hockey has dropped off a bit. The WSH will help revive the sport in the country and for the future of the game in India and around the Globe. From my expereince in the past and during the league I noticed from close quarters the Indian players. The potential, and skill levels, of individual players here is really good. They play with passion and their ball control is amazing. Personally I am very excited to be a part of this tournament. With the rules being tweaked to make hockey more attractive, it will not only be exciting for the players, but from the viewer point of view as well it was thoroughly entertaining. TV Viewership alone for the first 4 weeks out 5 weeks topped 32 million, surpassing English Premier League Soccer and other sport during that period. It was equal to the IPL Cricket. For the Chennai Cheetah, we possibly underperformed, finishing 6th position but could have been in third position and into the finals if we had have won our last game in Mumbai. It was a game we dominated with 9 PCA’s for the match with no conversion when we where striking at 50%. WSH was a huge success with 327 goals from 62 matches that were all played live on TV 6 hours per day for the month. And being olympic year all the players look forward to the next edition. Truely an experience of a lifetime and we all look forward to Series 2.
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HOCKEYZONE - HOCKEY ON TV WEEKLY
COACHES CLUB Slowly but surely we are building the next level of coaches in supporting all those interested in the Coaches Club for 2012. To date we have had 2 casual discussions and meetings to kickstart the program in 2012.
Hockey Zone - TV4ME - Thursdays at 7:30pm Catch all the latest happenings in and around the Brisbane "Hockey Zone" on digital TV. It's broadcast all over Australia on Thursdays at 7:30pm (Qld Time) on TV4ME. Broadcast by the Seven Network, most digital television sets will be capable of receiving this free to air digital channel. If your's doesn't have a digital tuner then you'd better get yourself a Set Top Box! In Brisbane, TV4ME is on Channel 74. In other areas TV4ME is broadcast on Channel 64. If you miss Hockey Zone on Thursday night, the program is also broadcast at other times. Check the 4ME TV Guide for those times, eg Fri 3:30pm & Sat 9:00am (Qld Time) - do check your local guide too! Hockey Zone Website Find out more about Hockey Zone simply by visiting the Hockey Zone TV Website where you'll find details of the program and links to other sites. There are also links to YouTube where segments of the show are regularly posted. On YouTube you'll be able to select a segment to watch and enjoy at your leisure
It has been a huge success with some great discussion and conversation in and around the game. Our focus is to chat about many things, on field, off field, tech bench awareness, injury and first aid, leadership, team culutre; just to name a few. It is a key fact and part of the education for coaches, players and parents that, each teacher is speaking a similar language with similar key messages whilst coaching. This will assist in going along way to build consistency and knowledge about the way we play. Please feel free to come on down and be part of the Club. Next session: Hope to see you there. MAY 17TH 3RD COACHES CLUB SEMINAR : Topics to be Covered: On Turf/ Practical Tech Bench Awarenes - (TBC by Karen Feckner) Manager Responsibility Coaches Manual/ Handbook Risk Management/ Injury All Coaches, Rep Coaches and Managers to be present prior to Rep Season also.
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AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY TEAM TOUR TO ASIA. From the 15th Bl 29th of April, Emma Walter of the Gold Coast Hockey Academy travelled with the Australian Womens Country Team on a tour of Thailand and Malaysia. Both the Mens and Womens Australian Country team had the opportunity to play a 3 test series with the Thailand NaBonal Squad who were preparing for the Asia Cup. Emma played 8 matches whilst on tour and with a huge success was undefeated. As a tour it was not just hockey as some of the highlights away from the Hockey pitch was the experience in visiBng local markets which were of many kinds including the floaBng markets and night markets of Thailand. Always a Bme for plenty of shopping and indulging in the local culture and cuisine. When on tour they had the opportunity to visit the NaBonal Parks, small village in Malaka, 2hrs from Kuala Lumpur. The games against the U21’s and NaBonal Development side were played in extreme temperatures of 45 degrees or on other days in lightning storms. Whilst in Kuala Lumpur as tourist shopping was a key past Bme one day they got caught up in the KL Street Riots. A few adventurous nights of partying in the karaoke bars, night clubs and the fun of tuktuk rides.
UP AND COMING COMPETITION OVERVIEW U13S GOLD COAST 2012
U15S GOLD COAST 2012
Under 13 girls The under 13 girls will this year be heading to Bundaberg to contest the state titles. Following on from a strong performance finishing 5th last year the girls will again be pushing for top spot. Strong southern cross results have the Gold Coast team primed for a shot at the title.
U15 Girls This year the U15 Girls state championship takes us just a li8le way north to the Sunshine Coast. Based on last year the Gold Coast lead into the compeBBon ranked fourth and the main threats will again come from Brisbane, Toowoomba and Tweed Heads. The squad unfortunately has lost a large amount of the experience from last year due to players moving out of the age group, this has been replaced by the fresh talent coming through from the U13 team and the overall improvement of the current squad members. This year the main goal is to again make the semi finals and then take aim at the main contenders to push them off the top.
The under 13 girls have already been to Sunshine Coast for their first day of southern cross. Under the guidance of stand-in coach Craig Bigham the girls played well going down to Tweed and Ipswich and getting a win over Sunshine Coast. The girls now have another southern cross carnival in the build up to the state championships in Bundaberg in June.
Under 13 boys With a large number of last years representative side still available the under 13 boys have top spot certainly in their sights. Last year the boys came in 4th and the boys this year are confident they can push for the title when they travel to Wawrick in June. The competition for spots has been strengthen by good performances of players coming into the age group and Selections will be very tough.
U15 Boys This year the Gold Coast U15 Boys team one again lead into their state championship ranked first. Ader two fantasBc years at the top the pressure is on to make it a third Btle in as many years. The challenge this year is even bigger due to a large reshuffle of players moving out of the age group making way for the fresh players who are developing their strength more with every training session. The tournament this year is in Maryborough and our team will most likely see Brisbane as the biggest challenge in their path to their first goal of making the semi finals.
The boys travel to sunshine coast this weekend for Coulter shield games in the lead up to their state titles to be held in Wawrick. Numbers have been very good at training for both teams but we are always looking for more as we have high hopes of sending a second team to both championships.
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UP AND COMING COMPETITION OVERVIEW OPENS MEN’S AND WOMENS HOCKEY QLD STATE CHAMPS - 2012 With the abolishment of Premier League and inception of Super League this year Gold Cost used this weekend’s state opens titles to expose many younger talented athletes to state titles competition for growth and development. The girls performed admirably and were highly competitive in a very tough top half of the draw in a 12 team competition. After day 1 with two wins over Ipswich and Cairns, the Gold Coast girls topped their pool and progressed through to the next round. On Sunday morning the Coast faced a very tough and experienced Townsville team that ended up overcoming the coast 1 nil in a very entertaining hard fought game. In order to progress through to the final on Monday afternoon the Gold Coast needed to win their afternoon clash by 4 goals against the fancied Sunshine Coast that had a very impressive line up and strong team game. The game was top quality and both teams had many opportunities to score. Karina Curtis was solid in the defensive circle for the Gold Coast and our team play was a highlight, but unfortunately the goals just didn’t come when the opportunities presented. The game ended up a nil all draw which allowed the Sunshine Coast to head through to the final. Disappointing for the Gold Coast team who were close, but good signs ahead for our youth. The team then Drew with tweed on the final day to be placed 5th overall. For the men the competition was normal format with 8 teams in the top division which had Gold Coast pooled in with Townville, Cairnes and Rockhampton. A strong pool and real test for the men who enjoyed the tough competition against the Premier League Teams after the success from last year. After day 1 for the mens, it had resulted in a win and a loss but with a good opportunity to make the semi finals in the crossover. In the opening match against the eventual pool winners and finalist, Townville who come out in match 1 all guns blazing to defeat Gold Coast 4-1. A disappointing opening match which was a scappy standard from the men. In game two Gold Coast took on the reigning winners of last year's premier league. Gold Coast, pushing to make up for Game 1. Gold Coast started with a flyer and went into the lead 2-0, However the 2-0 lead didn't last long as Cairns scored straight after the restart. In the last few minutes of the half Gold Coast were awarded a stroke following Harris being shoved in the back as he shot at goal. Bigham and Harris added another 2 goals which was enough to secure the win 4-2. On Sunday, Gold Coast went in to the third round robin game knowing that they had to win by at least 4 goals in order to make it into the top two of their pool. Craig Bigham opened the scoring after 5 mins and despite a number of opportunities Gold Coast couldn't convert until the last minute when Bigham converted a PC with an impressive drag flick. Unfortunately Gold Coast weren't able to keep the goals going, unable to convert numerous opportunities. Rockhampton managed to claw one back half way through the second half meaning Gold Coast needed to then score 3 goals to make it into the top two. Gold Coast managed to only score one more goal through a Mark Harris pass into the circle which was chipped in by Dan Ginnaw. Gold Coast therefore come up against Toowoomba in the cross over to secure a place in the 5th vs 6th playoff. Gold Coast were intent on winning their game against Toowoomba to ensure they weren't in the relegation match. Mark Harris, true to his normal form, scored in the first three minutes dragging around the keeper and securely tapping it in goal. Reece Buckingham then scored with a chip shot over the keeper before Craig Bigham scored a few minutes before half time through a solo run tomahawk. Returning from the half time break Gold Coast continued the goal scoring run with Joey Reardon converting a PC with a tomahawk before Dan Ginnaw closed of the scoring with Gold Coast's impressive defense keeping Toowoomba goalless and winning 5-0. In the playoff for 5th and 6th, Gold Coast come up against pool opposition, Rockhampton. And in what was a very shaky start, Gold Coast got back on track to eventually claim 5th position with a 3-2 win. Overall a pleasing result but now we have strong belief that we should have been a top 4 team and possibly in the final.
The focus now shifts to the newly formed “super league” for our women and men where the best Gold Coasters will merge with the best from the Tweed to represent the South Coast region in the highest level of competition in the state in Brisbane in June. The competition promises to be exciting and our teams are shaping up to be highly competitive to contest the title. It will be great viewing and we hope the Gold Coast community can get behind our competitors over the course of the weekend from June 9 – 11.
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FITNANCE TO SUPPORT GC HOCKEY ACADEMY
AJenKon All Athletes: re Cert lll and Cert 1V in Fitness (Personal Trainer) Gold Coast Hockey Academy extends the opportunity to gain a qualificaBon in the Fitness industry. A newly formed partnership between Gold Coast Hockey Academy and Fitnance Australia Pty Ltd, will provide a fully accredited Cert lll in Fitness. This is an excepBonal opportunity for high performance athletes to extend their sporBng achievements and at the same Bme gain a valuable traineeship within the SporBng Industry. The accreditaBon contributes to the Senior School cerBficate providing 8 points for the Cert lll and will be Hockey specific. This Course will involve the trainee spending Thursday “at school” in the Gold Coast Academy Gym, where they will be trained and paid by Fitnance for their day’s work. There is no cost to the student for this Traineeship which is valued at $1500. There is also the opportunity to build your career further by parBcipaBng in the Cert lV Fitness course which qualifies the student as a Personal Trainer. Year 10, 11 and 12 students are invited to parBcipate in this course. For the younger athletes the informaBon provided opens another opportunity when considering career opBons for your future. An invitaBon to visit Fitnance Head Office in Brisbane this Thursday 9th February is extended to our athletes. This will involve a work experience session by the Fitnance team, where the opportuniBes available will be discussed.
If you are interested in a8ending, or you have queries regarding this Course please contact Mal Rickard on mal@gchockeyacademy.org.au or Brent Livermore on brent@gchockeyacademy.org.au
Please check out the Fitnance website at www.fitnance.com.au
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MAY/ JUNE - THE MONTHS AHEAD
GC HOCKEYACADEMY 2012
• MAY 11TH - GC HOCKEY ACADEMY BBQ AND INFO EVENING FOR EVERYONE • MAY/ JUNE - GC HOCKEY REPS PROGRAM • MAY - ATHLETE ASSESSMENTS • MAY/ JUNE - Matt Lomas Personal Training for Parents and members • May/ June - GYM Operational for Memberships • MAY - Level 1 Coach Assessments to be completed - Please advise Academy • MAY 17TH - 3RD COACHES CLUB SEMINAR : ! Topics to be Covered: ! ! ! ! !
On Turf/ Practical Tech Bench Awarenes - (TBC by Karen Feckner)
All Coaches, Rep Coaches and Managers to be present prior to Rep Season also. Manager Responsibility Coaches Manual/ Handbook Risk Management/ Injury
Please confirm your interest to mal@gchockeyacademy.org.au
• JUNE/ JULY - COACHES CLUB CONTINUES • JUNE LONG WEEKEND - SUPER LEAGUE COMPETITION • June Long Weekend - Masters Competition on the Gold Coast • June - Allschools State Championships • MELBOURNE CUP SWEEP • July Holidays - U13s and U15s State Titles • July Holidays - Holiday Coaching Clinics • Regular Competition
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GC HOCKEYACADEMY 2012
2012 HA & HQLD CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2012 Championship Roster DATES
EVENT
TYPE
VENUE
9 - 14 January
Australian U15 Indoor Championships
M&W
Perth, WA
9 - 14 January
Australian U18 Indoor Championships
M&W
Brisbane, QLD
3 - 5 February
Qld U18 Trials
M&W
Brisbane, QLD
M
Brisbane, QLD
10 - 21 April
Australian U18 Championships
10 - 21 April
Australian U18 Championships
W
Newscastle, NSW
M&W
Brisbane, QLD
Qld Masters (40+ & 50's) Championships
M
Gladstone
24 - 27 May
Qld U19 Secondary School Championships
M
Gympie
26 - 29 May
Qld U19 Secondary School Championships
W
Cairns
9 - 11 June
Super League
9 - 11 June
Qld Masters (45+ & 55+) Championships
5 - 7 May
Open Championships
5 - 7 May
M&W
Brisbane
M
Gold Coast
4 - 17 June
Qld U12 Secondary Primary School Championships
M&W
Townsville
25 - 29 June
Qld U13 Championships
M
Warwick
25 - 29 June
Qld U13 Championships
W
Bundaberg
2 - 6 July
Qld U15 Championships
M
Maryborough
2 - 6 July
Qld U15 Championships
W
Sunshine Coast
10 - 21 July
Australian U21 Championships
M
Hobart, TAS
10 - 21 July
Australian U21 Championships
W
Adelaide, SA
14 - 16 July
Qld Masters (W) Championships
W
Brisbane, QLD
27 July - 12 August 29 July - 4 Aug
OLYMPIC GAMES Australian Country Championships
ASSEMBLY
London, UK M&W
Bendigo, VIC
22-24 September
Qld U18 Championships
M
Ipswich
22-24 September
Qld U18 Championships
W
Gold Coast
29 Sept - 6 Oct
Australian U15 Championships
M
Adelaide, SA
29 Sept - 6 Oct
Australian U15 Championships
W
Canberra, ACT
29 Sept - 6 Oct
Australian U13 Championships
M
North Nowra, NSW
29 Sept - 6 Oct
Australian U13 Championships
W
Perth, WA
29 Sept - 13 Oct
Australian Masters Championships
M
Hobart, TAS
27 Sept - 6 Oct
Australian Masters Championships
W
Melbourne, VIC
16 - 27 Oct
Australian Hockey League (AHL)
M
Canberra, ACT
16 - 27 Oct
Australian Hockey League (AHL)
W
Perth, WA
2 - 8 Dec
Australian Open Indoor Championships
M&W
Canberra, ACT
2 - 8 Dec
Australian U21 Indoor Championships
M&W
Central Coast, NSW
TBA
State Indoor Team Challenge (Open & U21)
M&W
TBA
TBA
State Indoor Team Challenge (U18 & U15)
M&W
TBA
As at 17 January 2012 *dates and venues subject to change
Q:\COMPETITIONS\CALENDARS\2012\ChampionshipsRoster2012-V3
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