Wests Future Stars Score State Hockey Goal

Written on the 25 February 2021 by SWSAS

2020/2021 has been a tough time for athletes of any age to maintain focus, remain mentally tough and holistically commit to their dream goals.

Due to many state sporting development pathways going into a forced recess and the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, determination and fitness being curtailed. But this is also a time where the tough and strong-willed shine through. And this is the case for a handful of our regions' aspiring young hockey athletes.

South West Sydney Academy of Sport CEO Gerry Knights is one who knows junior athlete development pathways well, especially in the sport of hockey. And keenly provided this background story of the outstanding achievements, of some very special athletes in the making, as they continue their individual pathway to hopefully national and international status.

Knights said, it is pleasing to see the NSW Hockey selectors were right on the money selecting local junior stars Ethan Nicholls in the NSW U15 'State' Team and Ethan Brooks in the NSW U18 'Blues' Team.

These two boys have trained the house down in the off-season, resulting in excellent beep test fitness results, and have also spent plenty of time in the gym. They really have earnt their selections through hard work.

Nicholls will represent the State at the U15 national championship, in Orange, and Brooks will also represent the 'two blues' in Launceston, in April. Potential Hockeyroo Taylah Jones will join Nicholls in Orange as part of the NSW U15 'State' Team.

Blake Stallard, Ethan Nicholls, Ethan Brooks and Gurkirat Singh are members of the Academy's Wests Future Stars program, supported by Wests League Club Campbelltown.
They are all, already playing First Grade for their local clubs, which is amazing at this age.  Especially for Singh who is only entering his 4th season of hockey.

Knights and the boys agree they still have plenty of hard work ahead of them. And  that their success is due to the work and support of many, especially their local clubs, the Metro South West Hockey Association, HockeyNSW, their families and naturally themselves.

Knights concluded by declaring, that going on their commitment to improve, nothing is beyond them. For more information on how to join an Academy sports program, go to www.swsas.org.au email admin@swsas.org.au or  call 02 4627 7622.