Kimberley Marine Support Base backs 2024 Youth International Gryphon Cup to boost Asian hockey bond

The opportunity to further strengthen ties to Asia and provide exciting opportunities for younger hockey players is set to continue thanks to a partnership between Hockey WA and a Western Australian port facility.

Hockey WA is pleased to announce Kimberley Marine Support Base has come on board as the major sponsor for the 2024 Youth International Gryphon Cup, which will place the talents of young hockey players under the spotlight from Thursday 21 November to Sunday 24 November.

Running as part of Hockey WA’s Asian Engagement program, the KMSB Youth International Gryphon Cup is a dedicated tournament for players aged 16 and under, offering a high level of elite youth competition.

Hockey WA General Manager of Asian Engagement & Special Projects, Graham Reid, said he was delighted to witness KMSB’s support for the Youth International Gryphon Cup.

“Their involvement highlights the significance of fostering cross-cultural exchanges and promoting sporting excellence across the Asian region,” he said.

“The Youth International Gryphon Cup serves as a beacon of unity and excellence, transcending borders and bringing together young talents from diverse backgrounds.

“We are not just witnessing a competition; we are witnessing the power of sport to bridge cultures and cultivate friendships that transcend boundaries.”

Hockey WA General Manager of Performance, Pathways & Growth, Shayley McGurk-Davy, said she was also thrilled to see KMSB’s enthusiastic support for the event.

“Their commitment underscores the importance of nurturing young talent and fostering global connections in the world of sports,” she said.

“Together, we are shaping a future where excellence knows no boundaries.”

KMSB managing director Andrew Natta said KMSB was thrilled to be the head sponsor of the Youth International Gryphon Cup.

"This event not only showcases the incredible talent of WA athletes but also brings together players from across interstate and international borders," he said.

"As we build the closest port to Asia in Broome, Western Australia, we look to engage and develop relationships into Asia.

"We are committed to giving back to the sport and its vibrant community, fostering the growth and development of hockey at all levels."

KMSB Executive Manager for Corporate and Commercial Development, Chris Ciriello said the KMSB Youth International Gryphon Cup offers players a fantastic opportunity to experience international competition for the first time.

"It was my pleasure to work hard to bring it back in 2022, post-COVID," he said.

"KMSB recognises the importance of commercial support in the development of athletes at all levels."

The KMSB Youth International Gryphon Cup is uniquely positioned as Asia’s pre-eminent tournament for youth players to compete, improve and meet fellow aspirant hockey lovers from across the globe.

The tournament was first established as the FHE Cup and was since reintroduced as the Gryphon Cup in its return from COVID-19 interruptions in 2022.

In the years that the tournament has taken place, it has attracted national, state and academy representative teams from within Australia and throughout Asia.

For WA-based players that wish to compete in the tournament, a series of trials will take place at Perth Hockey Stadium in September, where two boys’ teams and two girls’ teams will be selected.

These trials will strictly be open to boys and girls born after 1 January 2008.

Any team nomination queries must be directed to Kristen Jerkovich.