Expression of Interest: Australian Under 18 Hockey Teams - 2026 PSI U18 Nationals

Hockey Australia and the Hockey Australia Indoor Committee are pleased to confirm that Australia will send Under 18 Boys’ and Girls’ teams to participate in the 2026 Psi Under 18 Indoor Hockey Nationals in Cape Town, South Africa.

The PSi Nationals are one of the world’s largest indoor hockey events and will celebrate their 20th edition in 2026. The event provides Australian athletes with the opportunity to gain valuable international touring and competition experience while competing against leading teams from South Africa and abroad.

The Under 18 competition will be held from Monday 14 December to Thursday 17 December 2026, with teams arriving in Cape Town no later than Sunday 13 December.

Each team is expected to play between seven and nine matches across the four-day competition. The Under 18 tournament is currently planned to include Cup and Shield divisions, with final competition formats to be confirmed once team entries have closed.

The tour will also provide athletes with the opportunity to attend the Nkosi Cup, which will be held concurrently with the PSi Nationals and feature leading international indoor hockey teams.

Selection Process

Athletes interested in being considered for selection must complete the Expression of Interest form below.

Following the closure of EOIs, the selectors appointed for the 2026 Hockey Australia Indoor Championships will convene as the selection panel to select the final Australian Under 18 Boys’ and Girls’ squads.

Selections will be made in accordance with the Hockey Australia Indoor Hockey Selection Policy and will consider athletes’ previous performances, demonstrated ability, attitude, team contribution and potential for future national representation.

Submitting an EOI does not guarantee selection.

Key Information

To be eligible for selection, athletes must:

• Be eligible to compete in the Under 18 division at the 2026 PSi Nationals by being born on or after 1st January 2008. (pending eligibility confirmation by PSi)

• Hold a valid Australian passport with at least six months’ validity from the expected date of return

• Be available for the full tour period, expected to be approximately 12th December to 19th December

• Meet all Hockey Australia eligibility, integrity and conduct requirements

• Be able to meet the full financial commitments associated with the self-funded tour

• Attend any required pre-tour meetings, education sessions and team activities

• Purchase the required Hockey Australia touring and playing uniform

Selected athletes will be required to confirm their position and pay an initial deposit within seven days of receiving their selection offer.

Tournament and Tour Details

• Event: 2026 PSi Under 18 Indoor Hockey Nationals

• Location: Cape Town, South Africa

• Arrival Day: Sunday 13 December 2026

• Competition Dates: Monday 14 December to Thursday 17 December 2026

• Finals and Prize Giving: Thursday 17 December 2026

• Teams: Australian Under 18 Boys and Under 18 Girls

• Matches: Approximately seven to nine matches per team

• Tour Period: Approximately 6-7 days

• Estimated Tour Levy: $6,000 to $8,000 + GST

• Uniform Costs: Additional and payable by selected athletes

The tour levy is expected to include international flights, accommodation, ground transport, travel insurance, competition entry and agreed team meals and activities. Final inclusions and costs will be confirmed before selected athletes are required to formally accept their position.

Travel arrangements will be coordinated through Hockey Australia’s travel partner, SportsLink.

Selected athletes may also be required to arrange and fund domestic travel to the Australian international departure city.

To Apply

To formally express your interest in being considered for selection, please complete the online Expression of Interest form.

Expressions of Interest close at 5:00pm on Friday 19th June 2026.

Further information regarding the final tour itinerary, costs, staffing appointments and selection timeline will be provided as planning progresses.

For further information, please contact Nick Frayne at nick.frayne@hockey.org.au.