2026 HC Melbourne Futures Program

The Ultimate Platform for Emerging Talent

The 2026 HC Melbourne Futures program is back—bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever! Designed as a crucial high-performance pathway for emerging talent, the Futures program connects aspiring athletes directly to the elite standards, culture, and high-performance environment of Hockey Club Melbourne.

This year’s program takes a massive leap forward. In addition to an action-packed domestic schedule, HCM Futures has been officially invited to the Futures Hockey League in Auckland, New Zealand at Kings College from December 5–12. This international tour represents the ultimate culmination of the 2026 program, giving athletes invaluable exposure on the international stage!

Before heading across the Tasman, players will compete in an elite home-and-away series integrated directly alongside HC Melbourne’s Hockey One matches:

Melbourne Leg (Sunday, Oct 25): Feature matches at home during the Cobras v HCM Derby day, including the Vikings & Vipers Past Players Day (Old Boys / Old Girls).

Bendigo Leg (Nov 7–8) v SA Development Team: A high-stakes state of origin regional trip coinciding with the Melbourne Cobras vs. Adelaide Fire clashes.

New Zealand Leg (Dec 5–12): The pinnacle, week-long tour competing in the Futures Hockey League in Auckland.

Assessment Dates & Selection Schedule

To earn your spot in the 2026 HCM Futures Squad, athletes must register for the upcoming assessment phase:
All players will require a Valid passport with more than 6 months until expiry from the 5th of December (Departure Date)

AUTO ENTRY to FPA1

• Top Age U16 athletes from 2026 U16 Vic & Vic Dev't teams
• Bottom Age U18 athletes from 2026 U18 Vic & Vic Dev't teams
• Does not include train on players

Detailed Match & Event Schedule

Melbourne Leg - Sunday, October 25th

Event: Derby Day - HCM vs. Cobras & Past Players Day (Vikings & Vipers)

Match Schedule:

Pitch 1: 12:45pm – 2:15pm - HC Melbourne Futures Women vs Ex Vipers / HCM Women

Pitch 2: 1:30pm – 3:00pm - HC Melbourne Futures Men vs Ex Vikings / HCM Men

Followed by Hockey One Doubleheader: Cobras v HCM (Women 3:30pm | Men 5:15pm)

Bendigo Leg - Saturday, November 7th – Sunday, November 8th

Event: State of Origin Showdown (Bendigo) HCM vs. Adelaide Fire

Match Schedule 

Saturday:

Pitch 1: 1:00-2:30pm - HC Melbourne Futures Men vs ADL Fire Jnr Men 

Pitch 2: 11:30-1:00pm - HC Melbourne Futures Women vs ADL Fire Jnr Women 

Sunday:

Pitch 2 Match: 9:00am – 10:30am -HC Melbourne Futures Women vs ADL Fire Jnr Women 

Pitch 1 Match: 10:15am – 11:45am - HC Melbourne Futures Men vs ADL Fire Jnr Men 

Followed by Hockey One Doubleheader: Cobras v Adelaide Fire (Women 1:00pm | Men 2:45pm)

Note: Travel & accommodation details self-managed by families.

New Zealand Tour | December 5th – 12th

Event: Futures Hockey League at Kings College, Auckland

Departure: Saturday, December 5th

Proposed structure:

Travel / optional training day (5 Dec)

One match per day across a full round robin (6, 7, 8, 10, 11 Dec)

Mid tournament rest / optional training day (9 Dec)

Final day (12 Dec)

Return: PM Saturday, December 12th

Ready to Represent HC Melbourne Futures?

Don't miss your chance to test yourself against the best, learn from elite coaches, and take your game across the globe.