Jillaroos group heading to the Red Centre

A selection of athletes aspiring to represent Australia at the next FIH Junior Women’s World Cup will assemble in Alice Springs today for a six-day training camp.

The Jillaroos squad selected for the camp are all age eligible to compete at the Junior World Cup, which is the biggest global hockey stage for athletes under 21 years of age.

Three players currently in the Women’s National Development Squad – Grace Young, Tatum Stewart and Zali Ward – were also selected for the training camp following strong performances at the recent Hockey Australia U21 Championships. Unfortunately Stewart is a late withdrawal due to injury, her place taken by Camila Vaughan. Emily Hamilton-Smith has also sadly been ruled out of the camp due to injury.

Jillaroos Head Coach Stacia Strain said the training camp in the Red Centre was part of a wholistic approach to nurturing and developing not only world class hockey players but also forming an exceptional team culture.

“We wanted to re-think how we develop our athletes and what we prioritise in their development,” said Strain.

“While producing exceptional Hockeyroos players is our goal, our responsibility is much more than this. It is also to provide an environment where our young women can grow and develop with a greater understanding of themselves and each other.

“Alice Springs is a magical place and the heart of Australia in both in a geographical and metaphorical sense and it provides an opportunity to create strong, meaningful connections.

“Connection with each other and connection to country. We are excited to launch into our Junior World Cup 2023 campaign and begin to create our identity, purpose and belonging to the Jillaroos.”

The Arrernte people are the traditional custodians of Alice Springs and the surrounding region.

Jillaroos Squad – Alice Springs Training Camp (18-23 August 2022)

*Withdrawn due to injury