Ciriello’s focus on international engagement

Legendary Kookaburra Chris Ciriello has his sights set on growing Hockey WA’s footprint internationally. 

The Gold Medal winner from the 2010 and 2012 Men’s Champions Trophy and 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games champion is Hockey WA’s Head of Asian Engagement, and he is focused on developing deeper ties not just in Asia and Oceania but across Europe and Africa too. 

In six months, the Victorian, who represented his country 199 times and scored 116 goals, has consolidated links with India, Indonesia and Malaysia, with other regions on the horizon. 

“It’s a really enjoyable and exciting role, giving back to the sport and, hopefully, fostering ties with other nations that’ll help the game prosper in the short and long term,” Ciriello, the former Analytical Coach and Team Manager of the National Indian men’s team who was an integral part of their growth and success, says. 

“With more than 29 million playing hockey worldwide and nearly 18 million being in Asia, it makes real sense for us in WA to make a strong connection. 

“We are working with a range of countries and there’ll be a range of exciting opportunities coming up for players, coaches, officials and fans across all age groups… and with our broadcast profile increasing there’ll be opportunities for people around the world to watch the action too.” 

Ciriello, in addition to assisting the footprint of the game in Western Australia grow, is also the playing head coach of Old Guildford Mundaring Hockey Club men’s Premier League side in 2022 and providing specialist coaching services through Ciriello Coaching.

“The club is growing, there are a lot of young athletes and we are offering opportunities to young players to come, learn and grow,” Ciriello, who scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final in 2014 in front of the King and Queen of Holland, says. 

“I really enjoy coaching and helping pass on the knowledge I learned in my career, from the coaches as well as my own experiences.” 

Hockey organisations around the world are invited to express their interest around involvement in future international opportunities featuring WA at all levels of the game, both within Australia and internationally. These include but are not limited to the recently announced International Indoor Challenge and the Hockey WA Gryphon Cup.

Chris is contactable by email at chris.ciriello@hockeywa.org.au

“We have a wonderful opportunity to grow the game and I’m really excited for what the future holds,” Ciriello, the only person to score three goals in a World Cup Final, says. 

“In particular I want to see those opportunities for future stars of the game – I can’t wait to see the players’ development through the increased exposure.”