TEENS’ FIELD OF DREAMS
PLANNING TO STICK AT IT
GEELONG hockey-obsessed talents Charlotte Armstead and Tucker Kooloos are taking their first steps towards achieving their dream of playing professionally.
The two junior stars (pictured) represented Victoria at under-15 level earlier this year in the national championships at Bathurst and hope to one day make a living from the sport.
The pair eat, live and breathe the sport.
Charlotte has a hockey pitch in the backyard of her family’s Batesford home and Tucker spends his weekends watching senior matches.
“I am obsessed,” Charlotte said. “I love it.”
Tucker said his passion for the sport started at a young age.
“Often I just get Mum to take me on a Saturday morning and she’ll pick me up at about 6.30pm from the hockey once I’m done watching all the games,” Tucker said.
“If there’s more seniors on the next day, then I’ll come back on Sunday.”
Tucker said his goal was to “play overseas, get paid and have a job doing it”.
“I’ve heard lots of stories of kids going from towns like Geelong and the country areas … going across to Perth and playing for Australia,” he said. “That would be great as well.” Charlotte’s parents have a long association with the sport.
Both played at a high level and their passion for hockey was passed on to their daughter.
“I want to keep going until I’m super old,” Charlotte said.
“My dad’s still playing and he’s 60 something. I still want to keep playing until I’m like that.”
Charlotte said she wanted to represent her country.
“I would love that,” she said. “I would work my backside off for that.”