Next generation of hockey stars learn from the best

The next generation of young hockey talent in the under 13s Thundersticks Academy were presented with a once in a life-time opportunity during their camp when Ex Kookaburra and Olympic gold medallist Grant Schubert presented to the cohort.

Grant is one of the very few hockey players to be a part of an extremely rare club by completing a ‘grand-slam’ of hockey, winning gold medals in the Olympics, World Cup, Commonwealth Games and the Champions Trophy.

The presentation given by Grant is valuable experience for the development of the young athletes, giving an insight into the mind of a winning athlete and what it takes to improve at your craft.

Grant also took the time to bring his gold medal to the academy session and present it to the athletes as an added extra touch to an already valuable experience.

Another Ex-Kookaburra in Chris Ciriello has also assisted with the Academy, providing valuable guidance to the young cohort,

Chris finished up with the Kookaburras in 2016 and made the trip to India to become the analytical coach of their national team for three years; he’s now making the difficult return to Australia due to COVID-19, and has offered assistance at times to the Hockey WA academy teams to help the states’ next generation of hockey superstars.

Speaking on the opportunity, Hockey WA's General Manager of Talent Development and Asian Engagement Dean Evans said, ”Having Grant and Chris adding value to our Thundersticks Academy continues to reflect the positive outcomes we are achieving in Performance and Development. Having quality coaches attached to our underpinning programs will give WA juniors every opportunity of reaching their aspirational goals of playing in the Ric Charlesworth Classic and representing WA.”