Top notch training lifts juniors

TASMANIA’S under-15 boys and girls hockey sides have profited from elite preparations and begin their national championships in Wollongong tomorrow.

Jayden Pearson, recently voted the state’s top goalkeeper by Premier League captains, has replicated the Australian Hockey League preparation used by the Tassie Tigers for his side.

“We have tried to incorporate approaches and structures that will develop the group as they progress into senior careers,” Pearson said.

“This includes having access to video software and individual feedback consistent with that of the current AHL systems.”

Pearson identified three future stars of the game, including the eldest son of former Hockeyroo Bianca Langham-Pritchard.

“Oliver Pritchard has a very strong basic skill set and game knowledge, Keenan Johnson is very dynamic with a good toolbox of skills, and Josh Demarco is relentless with a big engine.

“We have a really strong playing group, consisting of a number of players who were involved with the team last year and I’m confident they’ll be competitive against all sides.”

The side also contains Jaxon Sproule, son of dual Olympian Daniel and nephew of AHL silver medal winner Trent.

Similarly, girls coach Susan Brooks has used expert coaches and her experience as a successful Premier League player and coach to enhance her side’s prospects.

“Over the past three months Steve Welch has spent an enormous amount of his time to support and develop our goalkeepers,” Brooks said.

“He’s done a fantastic job in developing their skills . . . for this tournament. The team will also use Gamebreaker technology to analyse games and develop the girls’ understanding of the game.”

Brooks identified experienced defenders Lily Ansell and Mia Cooper as key players and Camilla Vaughn as a player of the future, being selected after just 12 months of goalkeeping experience.

The side also contains Brooks’ twins, Maddison and Taylor Brooks, the former who famously claimed the tournament MVP award last year at just 12 years of age.

Hockey Australia is expected to announce the next steps for the Australian Hockey League in the coming days, with Hockey Tasmania seeking outside support to be able to participate in October.