Hockey Victoria - U16 Open Player Assessment

Are you nominating for a Hockey Victoria State Team ?
If so, you need to be assessed by our Athlete Identification Officers (AIOs) prior to the naming of the Final Player Assessment 1 list. The Open Player Assessment session provides you with an opportunity to be assessed by our AIOs, who will be in attendance at these sessions to conduct assessments. 

Do you want some additional skill development?
The Open Player Assessment session provides you with an opportunity to refine your existing skills, as well as learn some new and exciting ones. You will also get the opportunity to train with players of a similar age and ability from a range of clubs.

Which age group do I belong to? 
Whether you are in the U14, U16 or U18 age group, you must be of the age or below on December 31st of the year of the national tournament to be eligible to compete.

Age eligibility:  The athlete is 16 years or under on the 31st of December 11:59pm, 2024.  Therefore, if the athlete is turning 17 in 2024, they are ineligible for this event.

If you are unsure please contact us before registering.

Check you age here to see which age group you fall in - AGE CALCULATOR

Upcoming Tournaments
U16 National Tournament: 4th - 11th April in Hobart

Upcoming Open Player Assessment Sessions

U16 OPA - Wednesday  31st January 
BOYS: 5-7pm ( Sign in from 4:45pm)
GIRLS: 7-9pm (Sign in from 6:45pm)

The Open Player Assessement sessions are targeted at but not exclusive to those players who have played at zone level or higher.  If you are unsure if these sessions are suitable for you/your child, please contact James McCallum (jmccallum@hockeyvictoria.org.au) for guidance. Players will be placed into groups of approximately 11 based on their age and ability.

All groups will be coached by State and Victoria Institute of Sport players and coaches, many of whom are Hockey Victoria Academy coaches. All groups will complete a range of drills and modified games, then there will be the chance to practice the skills in match play at the end of each day.
 

EXAMPLE

FAQ

SHOULD HP ACADEMY ATHLETES ATTEND THE OPA ?

Academy athletes DO NOT need to attend the Open Player Assessment (OPA), as they are all automatically through to Final Player Assessment 1 (FPA1), based on selection in the Academy. The OPA is for athletes that are not in the Academy but wish to be considered for state selection.

Sometimes Academy athletes do attend the OPA (at their cost), but that is just to get an extra training session in prior to FPA1, which is completely fine, but certainly not necessary.

All Academy athletes are required at FPA1, from there the selection panel cut the squad down, meaning only selected athletes attend FPA2 before the state teams are named.

I'M AN EMERGING TALENT ACADEMY MEMBER.  DO I NEED TO ATTEND ?

If you want to be assessed for suitability to attend the State Team trials (FPA), then YES, you would need to attend the session.

I"M NOT IN EITHER ACADEMY.  CAN I ATTEND THE OPA ?

YES - this is open to any U16 Hockey member.

WHEN ARE THE FINAL PLAYER ASSESSMENT SESSIONS (State Team Trials) ?

• FPA1   -   Sunday 4th February
• FPA2   -  Wednesday 7th February
• NOTE - invitation only

What to bring to an Open Player Assessement session
Participants are asked to bring hockey equipment, a drink bottle, and a hat to these days.

Cost

The cost for the event is $85, which includes your State Team nomination fee.  Please register early as there are limited positions available.

Please email James McCallum (jmccallum@hockeyvictoria.org.au) if you have any questions.