CSBP Wheatbelt Schools Carnival delivers next-gen hockey love

Regional Western Australia has always been a breeding ground for WA’s next generation of hockey athletes, with the CSBP Wheatbelt Schools Carnival proving that the sport is more prominent than ever across the state.

The recent CSBP Wheatbelt Schools Carnival in Northam was a hit – there was no shortage of talent on display from the Wheatbelt’s students, including noticeable generational talent on the field.

Bailey Naughton, son of former Premier Division 1 player, Ryan Naughton of Reds Hockey Club, shows that hockey as a lifelong passion is at its peak, with the talent and love for the sport continuing to be passed down from one generation to the next.

Bailey hit the field for his St Joseph’s team at the Carnival and it was evident that his father’s talent and love for the game was passed down to not only himself, but the players involved, with his father coaching the side and exposing the team to our great sport.

“Ryan managed the team today and manages Bailey’s side on the weekends, his love for hockey has shown – he’s got the kids in the right positions and is teaching them the skills to succeed – it’s wonderful for him to be able to share his knowledge to the kids in town and see them progress quickly as hockey players,” Ryan’s wife Catherine shared.

Ryan also made the trip from Northam to Reds for every training and game – so there’s no doubt that this passion has been passed on to not only his son, but all involved at the Carnival.

“Bailey actually only picked up hockey two years ago and he’s made a massive improvement already, he loves it!” Catherine says.

“You can see that this love has been shared with his school mates – everyone was so excited to be a part of this today, it’s really encouraging to see.”

“Ryan still picks up the stick for Towns on the weekend – hockey is more prominent than ever in this family!”

Catherine says that the experience of the CSBP Wheatbelt Schools Carnival has not only been a fantastic experience for her son, but she says all the kids and parents have got right behind the event and it shows with the fun and talent on the field.

“It’s amazing to see Hockey WA and CSBP supporting the delivery of the sport here in Northam and across the Wheatbelt – the kids love it and it’s fantastic for them to come together and build a passion for the sport with their mates,” Catherine says.

The CSBP Wheatbelt Schools Carnival in Northam saw nine teams compete in six matches each, with the five-hour long festival of hockey providing six matches for each team to compete in.

Congratulations goes to the St Joseph’s 2 side on coming out on top in the Northam Carnival!

CSBP Wheatbelt Schools Carnival Northam

1. WINNERS - St Joseph’s 2
2. St Joseph’s 1
3. Northam