Australian Hockey5s squads selected for World Cup Qualifiers

The growth and popularity of the Hockey5s format in Australia continues to build momentum with the announcement of extended national men’s and women’s Hockey5s squads to attend a selection camp in Warrnambool on 22-23 April.

Women’s and men’s squads of 20 and 19 players respectively have been selected to attend the camp, which will be used to select the teams to compete at the World Cup Oceania Qualifiers to be held on the Pacific Islands in July. The Hockey5s World Cup is scheduled for Oman in 2024.

“Hockey Australia is excited to be holding our Hockey 5s national team selection camp in Warrnambool. The decision was an easy one, as the Warrnambool hockey community have thrown their support behind the 5s format,” said Hockey Australia Chief Strategy Officer, Michael Johnston.

“As our 5’s national teams take their first steps on their way to the Hockey 5s World Cup, we can’t wait to see the teams connect with the local community and inspire the next generation of talent.”

The national squads were selected from the 2022 Hockey Australia Country Championships and the recently concluded Open Division of the 2023 Hockey Australia Indoor Championships.

“Players selected from the Indoor National Championships have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the Hockey5s environment,” said Hockey Australia Senior Manager – Community, Blair Chalmers.

“This group, combined with the players selected from the Country Championships, will facilitate a competitive atmosphere that is sure to result in highly talented Men’s and Women’s squads.”

“The process for identifying team staff will commence shortly. This will include a Head Coach and Team manager for each team, as well as one physio for the tournament.”

Warrnambool District Hockey Association are in final discussions to build a specific Hockey5s facility, which is expected to be constructed later this year. The Association have purchased two sets of Hockey5 boards, which will be used during the camp, providing the best environment possible for selections. Hockey Victoria is assisting with the logistics of the camp.

“Hockey South West is beyond excited to be welcoming the Australian Hockey5s World Cup Team selection camp to Warrnambool,” said Hockey South West Secretary, Mark Bridge.

“Hockey South West is working hard to lead the development of Hockey5s and increase participation across all age groups. Having the opportunity for our U12 Academy to watch and learn will be a highlight for them and our coaches.

The support and commitment from Hockey Australia to hold the trials at Warrnambool's regional facility as recognition to the members of Hockey South West and their efforts over the past 12 months to introduce and drive development of Hockey5s in the region.

“Hockey5s is a great alternative to the full-field game and one that has enabled new and past players to step back onto the field in a social and welcoming way.”

“Hockey South West along with the Councils of the South West look forward to welcoming the squad to Warrnambool and the Great Ocean Road in April and supporting the team through to the 2024 World Cup in Oman.”

The final squads of 12 selected from the camp in Warrnambool will comprise 10 field players and two goalkeepers.

Hockey5s is a fast, highly skilful, short format of hockey designed to be adaptable to multiple surfaces, environments and space. Hockey5s is an invasion game played between two teams with 4 field players and a goalkeeper.

Australian Hockey5s Selection Camp
22-23 April 2023
Warrnambool District Hockey Association