FIRST INTAKE OF 2023 FUTURE BLACK STICKS ANNOUNCED
Congratulations to the talented U18 hockey players who have earned their spot at the highly anticipated Future Black Sticks Super Camp, taking place in Hamilton from the 1st to the 7th of October 2023.
This camp offers consistent opportunities for international learning and development, marking a significant milestone in these aspiring athletes’ journey towards joining the Black Sticks in the future. The age group and focus of these players has a strong focus towards the Gold Coast Olympics in 2032
Nurturing the Future – The selected players were identified nationwide during the recent National U18 tournaments in Dunedin and Auckland. They now eagerly await the chance to refine their skills, enhance their knowledge, and embrace the behaviors of high performance. The camp’s primary focus is instilling in participants the core values of teamwork, resilience, and dedication—the very essence of the Black Sticks way.
A Glimpse into the Super Camp – Over the span of seven days, players; coaches; staff; and officials will share valuable insights into advanced techniques, tactical strategies, and the inner workings of the VBS teams. This unique opportunity allows participants to forge lasting connections with fellow players and mentors, fostering unity and camaraderie beyond the camp’s confines. The holistic approach to player development aims to unlock their true potential, empowering them not just as athletes but also as well-rounded individuals.
Having returned from the Mens Senior World Cup in India in January, U21 Mens Head Coach Aaron Ford says, “these camps are such a great chance for us to push what we are learning on the international stage into the system. The players, coaches and staff at these camps all take back the lessons and share them with their communites. This is as much about growing the whole system as it is accelerating the individuals growth.”
Vantage Black Sticks women assistant coach Bryce Collins found the task of identification challenging, “with so many young players at these events it is real task to bring the best together. We also know that players develop at different ages and speeds, this is a good first look at what we know from the last years of hockey but the door is never closed for those who have missed out.”
UNDER 18 INTAKE
Women
Charlotte Goldsmith, Kate Irwin, Lauren Storey, Madeline Leigh, Victoria Alves-Flood (Auckland), Arabelle McGuckin, Caitlin Muir, Cara Morrison, Hennrietta Nation, Jaimee Cantwell, Jessica Davenport, Penelope Taulafo, Sorell Shand (Canterbury), Brooke Geary, Emily Brun, Greer Findlay (Hawkes Bay), Charlotte Dunn-Hall, Jodie Kent (Manawatu), Brooke James, Emilie Gordon, Lily Rushworth, Murphy Phillips (North Harbour), Jacqui Cameron (Northland), Abby Reid, Billie Crowe, Briar Duncan, Eve Swan, Georgia Roy, Louisa Kotkamp (Otago), Nicole Kowalewski (Taranaki), Clara Gardiner (Tasman), Emma McLeod (Wairarapa), Anna McLean, Jamee Webber (Waikato)
Men
Scott Illerbrun, Tom O’Sullivan, John Casey (Auckland), Luke Slee, Max Ready, Alex Clark, Finlay Neale, Mitchell Suddaby (Canterbury) Thomas Collier, Zach Carline (Manawatu), Callum Walker, Seth Irons, Leon Du Preez, Ryan Parr, Isaac Hallam, Ryan Shiu (North Harbour), Ryan Caldwell, Steven Ramsay, Damon Johnson (South Canterbury), Ben James, Dylan Benton, Dean Clarkson, Owen Brown (Taranaki), Aiden Bax (Tauranga), Cohen Scott (Wairarapa), Matthew Crawford, Oliver Bowmar, Foy Kerkin, Camron Neilson (Wellington), Thomas Pilmore-Evans, Brylie Adams (Waikato)