Hockey Australia names Under-18 National Indoor teams coaches

Hockey Australia has announced the appointment of Ben Poulton as Head Coach of the Australian Under-18 Men's Indoor Hockey Team and Amanda Christie as Head Coach of the Australian Under-18 Women's Indoor Hockey Team recognising their outstanding contribution to the sport and long-standing commitment to developing the next generation of athletes.

Poulton brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent the past five years playing a key role in the development of Queensland's indoor hockey pathway. His dedication to identifying and nurturing emerging talent has earned him widespread respect throughout both Queensland and New South Wales hockey communities.

A former Australian representative and National-level player, Poulton combines elite playing experience with a modern coaching philosophy centred on player development, high-performance environments, and creating opportunities for young athletes to reach their full potential.

His appointment reflects not only his coaching credentials but also his passion for growing the game. Poulton has consistently championed junior pathways, ensuring aspiring players have access to quality coaching, meaningful development opportunities, and a clear progression to representative hockey.

As he takes the reins of the Australian U18 Men's Indoor Hockey Team, Poulton is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement while continuing to promote the growth of indoor hockey across Australia.

"I've always been passionate about helping young players achieve their goals," Poulton said. "It's an incredible honour to lead the Australian U18 Men's Indoor Team, and I'm excited to work with this talented group of athletes as we continue building a strong future for indoor hockey."

Christie has represented Australia at the highest level of indoor hockey and brings extensive experience as both a player and coach. She is passionate about building a positive, high-performance environment where athletes feel challenged, supported, and inspired to become the best version of themselves.

Her coaching philosophy is centred on strong culture, genuine relationships, and creating opportunities for players to develop confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of the game. Christie believes athletes perform at their best when they feel valued, enjoy the process, and are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones. She is committed to helping every player grow both on and off the field while competing with purpose and confidence.

Christie’s record includes representation for the Australian Indoor Team (2004–2011), Indoor Hockey World Cups (2007 & 2011) – Vice Captain (2007), 12 National Indoor Championships representing Western Australia (3× National Champion), six seasons representing Western Australia in the Australian Hockey League (1× National Champion) and is Seniors coach at Reds Hockey Club Western Australia (2019–present).

Poulton‘s and Christie’s appointments mark an exciting chapter for Australian indoor hockey, with their experience, leadership, and commitment to player development positioning the programs for continued success on the international stage.