The Sport Lived Hockey Academy gives you the chance to play and train in Brisbane, Queensland’s picturesque state capital. Our course provides the ultimate hockey development experience: you’ll receive elite coaching and have access to outstanding training facilities at our hockey academy in Australia.

Recommended for:

Working intensively on your game
Meeting friends through club and academy
Training alongside elite players & coaches
Time to travel before/after your programme

At a glance:

Regular hockey training and matches
Access to world class hockey facilities
Receive tuition from elite coaching staff
Shared city centre accommodation

Hockey Academy Social

Hockey match in Brisbane

Academy players in action

Skills Session at the State Hockey Centre

Helena, Simeon and Pauline in Brisbane

Sporting adventures

You can attend the Australian hockey academy for 4 - 12 weeks from March to June, or for 4 - 8 weeks during July and August. On both programmes you will play matches with a local hockey club, and have hockey skills sessions on water-based pitches during the week.

Our centrally located accommodation puts you at the heart of the city, so get ready to enjoy the freedom and excitement of life in Australia with a group of new mates.

Your coaching team

Your training at the Academy will be led by world-class coaches. Our team includes specialists in a variety of disciplines so that all aspects of your sporting development will be covered. Read the profiles of your coaching team below and prepare to be blown away by their experience and enthusiasm.

Hamish Baron
Academy Head Coach

New Zealand International Player with 10 caps

Currently part of the extended New Zealand Men’s Training Squad

Assistant Coach of Auckland in the New Zealand National League

Assistant club coach in Brisbane

Antony Wood: Hockey
Strength and Conditioning Coach

Co-ordinates physical development programmes for all academy players

Programmes focus on developing players speed, agility, strength and power

Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach

Has a Human Movement Studies Degree from the University of Queensland

Previously held strength and conditioning roles with the Queensland Rugby Development Squad, Brisbane Bullets Basketball Team and Brisbane Wolves Football Club

Facilities

Whilst at the academy, you will have access to outstanding facilities. All hockey skills sessions take place at the State Hockey Centre which has 2 water-based pitches. All fitness, athlete education and sports psychology sessions are held at the University of Queensland.

At a glance:

2 water-based hockey pitches
Gym and fitness centre
8-lane Olympic swimming pool
Athletics track
Sports Medicine Facility
Seminar rooms

What to expect

You’ll have access to fantastic facilities to help improve all aspects of your game. Upon arrival at the academy, a thorough assessment is made of each player’s strengths and weaknesses. This assessment provides the basis of each player’s training programme during their stay. Performance objectives are set that are continually reviewed as development occurs.

The academy has an in-house sports medicine facility which includes physiotherapy, massage therapists and sports physicians.

Tuition

We have assembled a quality coaching team to deliver each element of the academy programme. You’ll receive tuition from leading coaches, sports psychologists and fitness experts, who will analyse and develop every area of your game. The coaching at the academy will focus on:

Hockey Skills

You’ll spend time working on drills aimed at improving fundamental skills and promoting technical excellence.

Physical development

You’ll have specialist coaching sessions focusing on all aspects of the physical game including strength, power, speed, agility and endurance development.

Psychological conditioning

A key area for player progress, you’ll work on mental skill development. Coaches will work with you on goal setting, overcoming negative thinking, pre-game preparation, visualisation, etc.

Athlete education

Academy students learn about wider aspects of organisation, sport and hockey. You’ll undertake lessons in diet and nutrition, injury prevention, tactical and decision-making development and time management.

Timetable

A typical weekly schedule on our 8 and 12 week programmes is shown below. On both programmes you will undertake a combination of strength and conditioning, specific skill sessions, sports psychology and general hockey education seminars.

A typical weekly schedule...

	Morning	Afternoon
Monday	9am - 12pm Optional Gym Session	1pm - 3pm Skills Session at the State Hockey Centre
Tuesday	9am - 12pm Optional Gym Session	5pm - 8pm Club Training & Social
Wednesday	9am - 12pm Optional Gym Session	1pm - 3pm Skills Session at the State Hockey Centre
Thursday	10am - 12pm Strength & Conditioning	5pm - 8pm Club Training & Social
Friday	All Day Optional Gym Session & Free Time
Saturday	9am - 12pm Club Match	12.30pm - 7pm Club Match
Sunday	All Day Rest & Optional Social Activity

Matches

In addition to training at the academy, you’ll join a hockey club in Brisbane where you’ll attend mid-week training sessions and play matches at the weekends.

Personal development

Playing for a local club will enable you to put the academy coaching into practice in weekly competitive matches. Playing and training with a club also enables you to integrate into the local community, meet new people and make new friends. Most hockey clubs in Brisbane have 12-16 senior teams for men and women. Top teams play in the highest state leagues, giving you the chance to play alongside state and international players.

FAQs

Do you have to be a really good hockey player to attend the academy?

No. Players of all abilities can attend the hockey academy where they will receive quality coaching and play matches to improve their game.

What clothes are provided at the academy?

When you arrive, you’ll receive shorts and training shirts. You’ll also receive a Sport Lived hoodie.

Do players on the programme play matches for a club?

Yes. All players on the programme train with a club during the week and play matches in the Brisbane Hockey League at the weekends.

What type of visa should I obtain if I attend the hockey academy in Brisbane?

The programmes are intensive, so most players don’t work during their time at the academy. We therefore suggest that people obtain an Australia Tourist Visa which your travel agent should be able to organise for you. If you plan to extend your trip and work in Australia then you should obtain an Australian Working Holiday Visa. This visa enables you to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months.

Reviews

Name: Pauline Kortbeek - Hockey Academy

What was the highlight of your Sport Lived experience?

All the hockey training sessions were very nice and also the girls and guys I lived with, they made the experience even better.

Do you think your Sport Lived experience has changed you as a person? If so, how?

Yes, I'm more independent and less shy to talk to 'strange' new people. And now I want to see more of the world, Australia was my big wish to go to.

What tips would you give to future Sport Lived participants?

Don't worry to much about your trip or the people who you're going to live with, in the end you'll never forget it/them.

Why should someone choose Sport Lived?

If you like to play your favourite sport and have a great time in a country far away, sport lived is a good organization.

How have you improved as a player / coach?

Because we had some private sessions, we could work on our weaknesses. So I improved my hitting skills, reverse and deflections.

…and finally, in a single sentence, I’m glad I went on a Sport Lived programme because “

It was so much more than I could ever imagine.

Your pad

STANDARD ACCOMMODATION
PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION

STANDARD ACCOMMODATION

Choose our Standard Accommodation in Australia and you’ll live in a dorm room in a hostel or lodge. All our Standard pads are centrally located and provide easy access to public transport. This makes it easier to get to your sports club, as well as giving you the chance to try out all the bars, clubs and restaurants in the city centre.

At a glance:

Top quality hostel accommodation
Located close to transport and nightlife
Shared with Sport Lived participants
Meet travellers from around the world

Your place in Australia...

You’ll share a dorm room with other Sport Lived participants. You’ll get fully equipped kitchen facilities, a base for your belongings and large comfortable communal areas, so you can catch up with other Sport Lived participants and travellers from around the world.

NB: Illustrative accommodation pictures.

Bedroom

Kitchen

Bathroom

Dining area

Kitchen

Bedroom

Dining area

Bathroom

Dining area

Bedroom

Kitchen

Bathroom

Bedroom

Kitchen

Dining area

PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION

Choose our Premium Accommodation in Australia and you’ll live in a 4 star apartment in the centre of town. Your club will be easily accessible by public transport and with lots of bars, clubs, restaurants and shops close by there are plenty of places to explore.

Four star city centre apartments

At a glance:

4-star fully furnished apartments
Located close to transport and nightlife
Shared with Sport Lived participants
Relax! Most bills are included

Home from home...

Apartments are shared with other Sport Lived participants and include a 24 hour reception plus many mod-cons. Apartments are fully furnished including a TV, linen, kitchen appliances, washing machines, etc. They are also serviced weekly so you can spend your time having fun.

NB: Illustrative accommodation pictures.

Apartment kitchen

Apartment living room

Apartment lounge diner

Premium accommodation

Apartment kitchen

Apartment lounge

Apartment lounge and diner

Apartment lounge diner

Apartment kitchen

Apartment living room

Premium accommodation

A week in the life...

...of Helena Mortimer who attended the Sport Lived Hockey Academy in Brisbane for 8 weeks during July and August 10

Monday

Short run along the river this morning. Light lunch followed by skills sessions at the State Hockey Centre. Saw a movie in the evening.

Tuesday

Speed and agility session in the morning. Shopping in the afternoon at the Queen Street Mall followed by club training.

Wednesday

Lie in this morning. Had a really intense academy session at the state hockey centre in the afternoon. Stayed after training to work on my drag flick with Hamish

Thursday

Strength and conditioning session at the academy in the morning. Club training in the evening. Drinks with team mates after training followed by a night out in the city.

Friday

Weather was nice so a group of us went to the Gold Coast. Had a surfing lesson which was fun. Chilled in our apartment in the evening.

Saturday

Went for a run in the morning before going to watch the rugby lads play for their club. Cooked a veggie Lasagne for my flatmates before watching the Broncos at Suncorp.

Sunday

Match day! Played Easts at Chermside and we drew 2-2. No goals for me unfortunately but pleased with my performance.

Prices and dates...

Location
Duration
From
To
Price

Brisbane
4 weeks
02/07/2012
29/07/2012
Standard
£ 2995

Brisbane
5 weeks
02/07/2012
05/08/2012
Standard
£ 3290

Brisbane
6 weeks
02/07/2012
12/08/2012
Standard
£ 3585

Brisbane
7 weeks
02/07/2012
19/08/2012
Standard
£ 3880

Brisbane
8 weeks
02/07/2012
26/08/2012
Standard
£ 4175

Brisbane
8 weeks
02/07/2012
26/08/2012
Premium
£ 5395

Brisbane
4 weeks
18/03/2013
14/04/2013
Standard
£ 3195

Brisbane
5 weeks
18/03/2013
21/04/2013
Standard
£ 3570

Brisbane
6 weeks
18/03/2013
28/04/2013
Standard
£ 3945

Brisbane
7 weeks
18/03/2013
05/05/2013
Standard
£ 4320

Brisbane
8 weeks
18/03/2013
12/05/2013
Standard
£ 4695

Brisbane
9 weeks
18/03/2013
19/05/2013
Standard
£ 5070

Brisbane
10 weeks
18/03/2013
26/05/2013
Standard
£ 5445

Brisbane
11 weeks
18/03/2013
02/06/2013
Standard
£ 5820

Brisbane
12 weeks
18/03/2013
09/06/2013
Standard
£ 6195

Brisbane
12 weeks
18/03/2013
09/06/2013
Premium
£ 7595

Brisbane
4 weeks
01/07/2013
28/07/2013
Standard
£ 3195

Brisbane
5 weeks
01/07/2013
04/08/2013
Standard
£ 3570

Brisbane
6 weeks
01/07/2013
11/08/2013
Standard
£ 3945

Brisbane
7 weeks
01/07/2013
18/08/2013
Standard
£ 4320

Brisbane
8 weeks
01/07/2013
25/08/2013
Standard
£ 4695

Brisbane
8 weeks
01/07/2013
25/08/2013
Premium
£ 5695

Australia

Sun, sea, sand and SPORT! Australia’s sporting prowess is as legendary as the Great Barrier Reef and a Sport Lived programme is your chance to experience both.

Australia highlights:

Watch a magical sunrise over Ayers Rock
Catch a cricket match at the MCG
Dive the Great Barrier Reef
Learn to surf at Bondi Beach

Choose your destination city...

Our programmes run to cities across Australia. Click on each city to learn more but be warned, choosing your destination is NOT an easy decision.

Sport Lived in Brisbane

Simon heads up the Sport Lived team in Brisbane and is a thoroughbred Queenslander. He’s travelled the world but made Brissy his home, so hear all about his favourite city.

The weather in Brisbane today is...

Your mentor recommends:

Head to the Gold Coast for a surfing lesson
Enjoy the city centre beach at South Bank
Visit the city's riverfront bars & restaurants
Check out Queensland's beautiful islands

Ed, Ali, and Barney at the Gold Coast

Sport Lived social for the Rugby Academy players in Brisbane

Beautiful one day, perfect the next is the ideal way to describe sunny Queensland. Brisbane is located right at the heart of Queensland and is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle and welcoming atmosphere. It’s hard to go wrong with the tropical climate which leads to long balmy nights spent either on the beach or enjoying a cold drink with friends.

Situated on the magnificent Brisbane River the city is the place to be. It is well known for its bustling night life. Whether you want a couple of drinks in a traditional Australian pub, a night on the dance floor or anything in between, Brisbane has a night spot to suit. Brisbane is very popular among travellers and backpackers as the city is constantly thriving with life.

Brisbane also boasts two of Australia’s best sporting stadiums. The Gabba and Suncorp Stadium host matches of Rugby League, Cricket, Aussie Rules, A League Football, Rugby Union - basically every sport you could wish for!

The city is also just an hour's drive from the stunning Gold Coast, which is known internationally as a popular tourist destination, thanks to its white sandy beaches and crystal clear ocean. Maybe now is the time to take up the opportunity to learn how to surf; or travel up further north to the beautiful rainforests and spectacular waterfalls.

In summary, Brisbane is a fantastic city offering amazing experiences. Your time spent here will be remembered and treasured for life.

Sport Lived in Melbourne

Matt has been part of the Sport Lived team in Melbourne for the last few years. Although he was born in the US, he was raised in Melbourne and considers the city home, making him perfectly placed to tell you all about its attractions.

The weather in Melbourne today is...

Your mentor recommends:

Catch the Boxing Day Test Match
Take a trip along the Great Ocean Road
Have a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Check out South Yarra's shops and cafés

Sport Lived participants playing golf in Melbourne

Girls night out in Melbourne

Team mates enjoying dinner in Melbourne

St. Patricks night in Melbourne

Clubbing in Melbourne

First things first. Whether it be playing professionally, socially with mates, coaching or simply watching on the telly, Melburnians LOVE sport. It doesn't matter where you are - the heart of the city, a country town, or in the suburbs, you will not only find a pub with a TV screen, but also an enthusiastic Aussie crowd to watch the action. In terms of live sport, we have the famous Boxing Day test match, Aussie Open Tennis, Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup – Australia’s most famous horse race.

But there’s more than sport. Most importantly, the Melbourne people are an incredible bunch. There's a warm, community sense that vibrates through the city. The locals are typically laid back and welcoming. They love to show off their city and will probably insist on taking you out on the town, exchanging slang words and introducing you to their mates.

This city is famous as the home of culture in Australia and has amazing art exhibitions, markets, music and comedy festivals; shopping, nightclubs and trendy bars. Whatever your taste, you'll find places in Melbourne dedicated to people like yourself.

Book now

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