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This page explains how to nominate for selection in the 12 years and under boys and girls hockey state teams to compete at the School Sport Australia championships in 2026.
Who can nominate to be selected
To nominate for selection, students must be:
- enrolled at an affiliated school.
- born in 2014, 2015, 2016.
Where and when
Newcastle Hockey Stadium. Newcastle, NSW.
Sunday 25 October to Friday 30 October 2026.
Travel dates may vary due to flight availability.
Team officials
- Boys coach - Nick Cheary, Blackfriars Priory School
- Boys team manager - Jordan Rhind, Salisbury East High School
- Girls coach - Adele Mastroyannis, School Sport SA
- Girls team manager - Jonathan Gardner, Plympton Primary School
The team will be under the supervision of the team officials to meet supervision ratios.
How to nominate for trials
A non-refundable trial fee of $10 inc GST per student is to be paid when nominating online.
Nominations closed 4:00pm Wednesday 29 April 2026.
You will receive a confirmation email once your nomination has been processed. Your school will also be sent a copy as confirmation of your nomination. Your school has the right to not approve a child’s involvement based on behaviour, attendance and other grounds as determined by the school.
Trial details
Boys
Trial 1
Sunday 3 May
Prince Alfred College
3:00pm to 5:00pm
Trial 2
Sunday 17 May
Prince Alfred College
1:00pm to 3:00pm
Trial 3 - Invite Only
Sunday 21 June
Prince Alfred College
Girls 1-3pm and Boys 3-5pm
Girls
Trial 1
Sunday 3 May
Prince Alfred College
1:00pm to 3:00 pm
Trial 2
Sunday 17 May
Prince Alfred College
3:00pm to 5:00pm
Trial 3 - Invite Only
Sunday 21 June
Prince Alfred College
1:00pm to 3:00pm
Selection criteria
Students will be involved in drills and competitive scenarios to select the team based on
- Ability and game sense in the sport
- Willingness to listen and learn from feedback
- Teamwork
- Level of skill and sport knowledge
- Fitness level and effort
- Positive attitude at trials and school
- Demonstration of being a good sport and behaviour on and off the playing arena
Parental permission must be obtained to be selected to attend the championship.
School endorsement
Selection in a School Sport SA state team requires endorsement from the student’s school principal before confirming their place in the team. Therefore, parents are advised not to make any arrangements that incur costs until the school has confirmed that the student fulfils all requirements.
Training and championship expectations
All selected team members will be required to attend all team trainings and a team photo shoot.
Country team members travelling more than 2 hours can negotiate their commitment.
The selected student agrees to attend the competition for the full duration including the opening and closing ceremonies and the educational experience.
Accommodation, flights, and daily transport
Parents/caregivers who can accompany their child must book and manage accommodation, flights and daily transport for the entire championship.
Should this not be possible then the family will need to negotiate with School Sport SA to arrange appropriate flights, accommodation, meals and daily transport for their child which will be an additional cost. Negotiations must begin within 1 week of the team being announced.
Championship costs
An individual itemised account will be provided for every student selected in a School Sport SA state team.
The anticipated cost to School Sport SA is approximately $700 which includes levies to participate at the championship and any training costs. Walkout and competition uniforms will be approximately $450 depending on the number of items ordered. This will be a separate online ordering process where payment is made directly to the supplier.
Accommodation, flights, meals, daily transport and personal spending money will be an additional cost for families and will not appear on the invoice from School Sport SA.
Fixtures and results
See School Sport Australia Hockey for fixtures and results as they are available.
