NSW Hockey Stars Shine at 2024 U21 National Championships in Newcastle

The 2024 U21 National Championships took place from March 13 to March 20 in Newcastle, NSW, bringing together the best Hockey talent from across Australia. Teams from every state competed in both the men's and women's tournaments, making it a spectacular showcase of skill and competition.

Defending champions, the NSW women’s team, entered the tournament as the team to beat. Under the expert guidance of Head Coach Ben Senior, Assistant Coaches Nicole Beaton and James Hanger, and Manager Nicole Simpson, the team lived up to their reputation, securing a bronze medal after an intense match against Northern Territory, concluding with a score of 2-6.

Throughout the tournament, NSW's Makayla Jones stood out, earning the title of highest individual goal scorer with an impressive total of 8 goals. Her exceptional performance was complemented by Ellie Baldwin and Ella Carr, who each scored 3 goals. Despite their strong showing, the overall competition was won by rivals Queensland, who defeated Victoria 2-1 in a thrilling grand final.

The NSW men's team also came into the tournament as strong contenders. Led by Head Coach Ben Brown, with support from Assistant Coaches Wayne Southwell and Sarah Dredge, and Manager Elizabeth May, the team showcased a formidable lineup. However, despite their best efforts, the men’s team finished in 5th place.

Their journey culminated in a nail-biting 5/6 classification match against the ACT, which saw NSW triumph in a 2-3 shootout. The team displayed remarkable tenacity and skill, leaving spectators eager for their future performances.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the support staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Your dedication and hard work were integral to the success and smooth running of the tournament.

For a detailed look at the scores and further information on the games, please click here.

The 2024 U21 National Championships were a testament to the incredible talent and competitive spirit within NSW Hockey. We look forward to seeing all our athletes continue to excel within their Hockey journeys. 

Scroll down to view the full teams.