The 2025/26 Program is currently running.
To be notified when the next intake opens, click here to register your interest
The Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) and the Regional Academy of Sport (RAS) network in NSW has had a long standing partnership with Hockey NSW playing a vital role in the Hockey NSW pathway by identifying, monitoring and developing the skills of young hockey players.
The NIAS Hockey Program is a program endorsed by Hockey NSW to deliver a pathway program for U16s and U18s. The program includes athletes in the Hockey NSW Pathways & Performance Program and selected athletes through local trials.
The NIAS Program is designed to up-skill athletes and assist them in progressing to higher representation in the sport.
The following benefits will apply to those selected in the program:
Who can nominate for the NIAS 2026 hockey program?
• The program will consist of two age groups. U16 and U18. Athletes must fall into one of these categories
• Athletes must reside or attend school in the NIAS catchment area
• Athletes must be a current registered member of their local association
• Please note that all athletes, including identified state team-level athletes, must participate in RAS talent
• programs. –
A state team will be selected from the RAS cohort of athletes. Throughout the program, there will be
several talent ID events, at which point a group of 36 athletes (two state teams) will be “elevated” into a
state team program. This elevated state squad will continue training in the RAS pathway program, noting
state team duties and/or clashes will supersede RAS training in the ten weeks prior to nationals.
How are selections made?
• To be considered for selection, athletes must complete the nomination form before the closing date/time and
attend the trial.
• Being part of a previous NIAS squad does not guarantee selection.
• A detailed selection criterion is used, which includes physical attributes and capabilities, technical competence,
tactical awareness, potential to improve, competitive ability, individual application, coachability and behaviour,
performance and results at specific events, and coachability and behaviour.
• A list of selected athletes is placed on the NIAS website, and trailing athletes are advised by email.
• Offers must be accepted by the due date, or they may be withdrawn and offered to another athlete.
Head Coach
Greg Doolan
Coach Girls
Craig Mackay
Assistant Coach Girls
Shae Bradford
Coach Boys
Conor Smith
Assistant Coach Boys
Steffan Fastier
Girls U18s
Anna George
Ella Tanna
Eva Hayes
Heidi Zwiers
Laura Hall
Lola Keech
Lucy Deiderick
Olivia Fitzpatrick
Philippa Mattheus
Girls U16s
Addison Grobler
Amber Willoughby
Charlotte Williams
Clara Richards
Elsie Piddington
Hannah Diehm
Lila Straw
Lily Donaldson
Macy Marshall
Tabitha Havas
Taylah Swilks
Taylah Townsend
Taylor Randell
Tilly Patterson
Boys U18s
Archie Clarke
Elijah Love
Henry Richards
Isaac Kelly
Jack Kellaway
Logan Hayward
Lucas Abra
Luke Schmude
Luke Whitty
Max Brown
Nathan Mumford
Oliver Burrows
Oliver Richards
Owen Mackay
Thomas Holmes
William Judd
Boys U16s
Aiden Lankester-Power
Angus Schmude
Blake Judd
Chase Mackay
Connor Sillitoe
Daniel Williams
Eliott Rodda
Howard Mackenzie
Hugh Ward
Noah Evans
Rhys Mackay
Thomas Bull
Tom Lorimer
Travis Mumford
Tyler Riggall
