Follow the WA U15s, U18s

Follow the action live from the Under-15 and Under-18 National Championships in Bathurst and Launceston - links to live scoring at the bottom of the page. Don't forget to also follow Hockey WA on Facebook for the latest photos and information from all of our competitions.

One hundred of the best young athletes in the state will don the black and gold of Western Australia at the Under 15 and Under 18 National Hockey Championships this week in Bathurst and Launceston respectively.

Some of the state’s most talented junior players will have the opportunity to prove their worth in the tournaments, which commence today (Thursday) and run until April 16.

It will be the first Australian National Hockey Championships to be held since 2019, after COVID-19 forced the cancellation of last year’s events.

Forty-three men’s and women’s teams from across the country, including six WA sides, will battle to win the National Titles and bring home gold.

Some of the stars include Amberley Abbott, sister of Olympian Des Abbott, and Chaz Davies, son of hockey legend and men’s Perth Thundersticks coach Stephen ‘China’ Davies.

“It is very handy having someone like my Dad to give me tips and tricks and it’s a really good help to have him on the sideline,” Chaz said.

The two under 18s sides have been meeting three times a week to train, alongside their own individual club sessions, to ensure they get the best possible result from the event.

Defender Braydon Fernandes, whose father Len coaches the North Coast Raiders Premier men’s team, has confidence that his team has done everything right to come out on top.

“I believe we have done the perfect amount of preparation, we have great coaching staff, great boys in the team, and we’re looking to take out the gold,” Braydon said.

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to play against some of the best players in the country and go away and have some fun.”

Both sides consist of a mix of athletes from Perth and regional WA, with some athletes travelling from as far as Kalgoorlie and Geraldton to train.

Midfielder Ella Du Preez, originally from Busselton, was travelling to Perth up to four times a week and attributes her recent Perth Thundersticks squad selection and past successes to her regional background.

“Growing up in the country has taught me a lot, not only as a player, but as a person,” she said.

“It has taught me not only hockey skills but life skills such as valuing commitment, using your time well, being organised and having grit, determination and resilience.”

Follow the Under-15s National Championships here.

Follow the Under-18s National Championships here.

The West Australian newspaper has extensive coverage of Hockey in WA, as part of its new "Hockey Central" column. A range of topics and features will be covered, including our juniors, men's and women's All Flags Premier League, regional hockey and the Fuel to Go and Play Championships. Get The West each Thursday for your weekly hockey fix in Hockey Central.