Clarification on Futures Academy and Centre of Development for U14 Age Group

Hockey NSW has received several enquiries regarding the Futures Academy and the New Balance Centre of Development program, particularly as this relates to the U14’s age group.  

The Futures Academy is focused on talent development. To be invited into this program at the U14 age group participants need to be identified directly by Hockey NSW. Hockey NSW has now identified and invited all participants for the U14’s age group. There will be no further invitations for this age group, until the next cycle of identification which will take place in June/July 2024. 

The New Balance Centre of Development program is for U12 and U14 players and is open for anyone to participate from across the State. Participants are not required to be identified to register and take part in this program. The program is focused on the continual development of players over summer and culminates with the New Balance Regional Challenge in March 2024 in Newcastle. Hockey NSW encourages all players who have missed out on the Futures Academy program to register for COD to access continued hockey development over the summer months. The COD program is a core development program which feeds into the Futures Academy. The COD program and Futures Academy curriculums have been carefully designed to ensure both programs are aligned to help enable a seamless transition. 

Registrations for the New Balance Centre of Development program will be closing soon. You can find your closest local COD and registration link by visiting www.hockeynsw.com.au   

If you have any questions regarding the above, please direct these to cod@hockeynsw.com.au.