Hockey: Experience in Australia

Hockey: Experience in Australia

Duration: 8 weeks
Australia flag
  • Overview
  • Playing hockey in Australia
  • Activities
  • Social life
  • Reviews
  • Your pad
  • FAQs
  • A week in the life
  • Prices & dates
  • Australia
  • Sport Lived in Brisbane
  • Download a summary (PDF)
  • Request a brochure
  • Book your place

Overview

Ideal for those not taking a year out or with limited time to spare, our 8 Week Experience allows you to combine playing hockey in Oz with pre-planned activities. Don’t choose between hockey and adventure – have both!

Recommended for:

  • Spending 8 fantastic weeks in Oz
  • Students not taking a full year out
  • Experiencing hockey with an Aussie club
  • Exploring Oz through organised activities

At a glance:

  • Travel and explore with our activities
  • Regular matches, training & social events
  • Shared accommodation
  • 24/7 mentor support throughout your stay
Hockey 8 week AUZ

Sporting adventures

Our 8 week hockey experience allows you to have it all – play hockey, live with other participants and explore the wonders of Oz. You’ll play and train with a local hockey club, making friends whilst getting a first hand taste of Aussie sport.

You’ll live alongside other Sport Lived participants  right in the centre of tropical Brisbane. You can explore the city with your new mates, and our range of activities will ensure you’ll have a summer to remember.

FAQs

 

1. What type of visa do I need?

Australian Working Holiday Visa

If you would like to obtain paid work during your programme you will need to obtain an Australian Working Holiday Visa. UK citizens aged 18-30 are eligible for an Australian Working Holiday Visa which enables holders to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months.  It costs around £150 and can take up to 4 weeks to process so we recommend getting the paperwork sorted well in advance of your departure. 

Australian Tourist Visa

If you don’t want to work in Australia you can get an Australian Tourist Visa.

For more information see the Travel & Visa section in the Need to Know area of our site.

2. Do I need to be an elite player?

Absolutely not! We cater for players of all abilities.  We will obtain further information on your sporting ability once you have submitted your booking form. This will allow us to match you with a suitable club.

3. How can I find out more general information?

Hopefully, most key pieces of information are available on the website where you can download programme notes, prices and dates.  Our Need to Know section also contains lots of useful information.  If you have other questions or just want to have a chat, we’re always available either on the phone or via email.

We know that planning a trip overseas can be scary at times and there’s loads to think about. So don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need to discuss anything at all.

 

Playing hockey in Australia

We have links with a wide range of fantastic Australian hockey clubs who will welcome you as a new member.Get ready for plenty of banter; the Aussies love to have a laugh with their new Pommey team mates!

Club structure

Australian hockey clubs have lots of teams (on average 12-16 teams for men and women) plus active junior sections. Top teams play in the highest state leagues, giving you the chance to play alongside state and international players.

Matches and training

You’ll train 2-3 times per week with matches played at the weekends.  Many Australian clubs play and train on water-based turfs.

Off the pitch

With so many members, your club will be a hive of social activity.  You’ll join in the many regular social events such as post-match drinks and club nights.  Joining mid-season means that things will be in full-swing when you arrive, so get ready for loads of fun.

Hockey development

Our clubs are selected for quality coaching and facilities.  You can work on your game whilst overseas, ensuring you return home in tip-top condition for the domestic season.

…and finally

Don’t waste your summer, book your place now and start looking forward to a hockey adventure down under!

Social life

social_life_hockey_8_week_auz_1

Through your hockey club...

Hockey clubs enjoy an unrivalled reputation for their social activities!  Get ready to play hard and party harder.  Regular nights out and fun events provide plenty of fun during your time in Oz.

social_life_hockey_8_week_auz_2

With Sport Lived…

You will live alongside other Sport Lived participants who are playing and coaching a wide variety of sports.  This provides a ready made group of friends with whom you’ll explore life in Brisbane.

Reviews

Jamie Askam – Hockey 8 Week Experience Brisbane

What was the highlight of your Sport Lived experience?

Definitely meeting new people both on the programme and at the Hockey club. Everyone was friendly and wherever I was I felt accepted and made to feel welcome. Also jumping out of an aeroplane at 14000ft was pretty amazing!!!

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

Definitely, as living on my own has made me learn all about spending money wisely, and having to buy and cook all of my food. This will help in the future, especially at university.

What tips would you give to future Sport Lived participants?

Just take in as much as you can while you’re there, the country and the people are both awesome, and in sports they know what they're talking about and definitely improved aspects of my game.

Why should someone choose Sport Lived?

It is easy to organise as Sport Lived sort out all your accommodation and the club so you just have to get there and enjoy it.

How have you improved as a player / coach?

It was amazing to see how another country play the game, and to have a different style of hockey taught to me so I could compare the two styles and pick the best bits of both.

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

I have met some amazing people, have made loads of friends and had the best time ever with them.

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.

your pad auz standard

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

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 explore.

Your pad AUZFour 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

Premium accommodation

Apartment kitchen

Apartment lounge

Apartment lounge and diner

Apartment lounge diner

Apartment kitchen

Apartment living room

Premium accommodation

Your pad AUZ

Activities

Our 8 Week Experience programmes include a number of organised trips and activities allowing you to combine rowing with some great adventures.  

Specific activities vary slightly from year to year, but here’s an idea of the fun stuff you can expect.

experience_programme_auz_intro_drinks

Introductory drinks in the city

During the first week of your programme, we’ll arrange introductory drinks in the city for you and your fellow Sport Lived participants. Your mentor will co-ordinate arrangements and show you around local bars and nightspots to get your programme off to a flying start.

experience_programme_auz_sports_match

 

Tickets to a sporting match

Another taste of Aussie life is watching live sport. There are some unforgettable sporting spectacles during July and August and we’ll pick up tickets for a great event. 

Maybe it’ll be a National Rugby League game at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium or an Aussie Rules match watching the Brisbane Lions in action at the famous Gabba.

 

experience_programme_auz_surfing_lesson

 

Surfing lesson on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world as well as famous surf breaks. Just an hour from Brisbane, you’ll spend the day exploring the beaches, shops and attractions of Australia’s premier holiday destination.

You’ll also receive a surfing lesson from a qualified instructor with the aim of getting you up and riding!

 

experience_programme_auz_kayaking

 

 

Kayaking on the Brisbane River

You’ll paddle along the meandering Brisbane river with a guided adventure tour observing the city from a unique angle. Watch Brisbane’s most prominent landmarks glide while you keep cool in the river breeze.

 

experience_programme_auz_bbq

 

Traditional Aussie BBQ

Only in Australia would you find the words ‘barbeque’ and ‘culture’ in the same phrase, but the barbeque is an intrinsic part of Australian culture. You’ll get a first hand taste of the quintessential Aussie experience.

We’ll organise the genuine article complete with ice cold local beer, some old school Aussie tunes and even a game of backyard cricket!

 

experience_programme_auz_bike_ride

 

Day long bike ride

Brisbane is a very bike friendly city with loads of cycle tracks and suburbs to explore on two wheels. We’ll take you on a cycling tour of the city and surrounding regions stopping for lunch and refreshment breaks. A brilliant way to get to know the city and spend time with your fellow participants.

 

experience_programme_auz_gym_membership

 

Gym membership

Throughout your stay in Brisbane you’ll have membership to a gym close to your accommodation. You’ll be able to stay in perfect shape, working out with your Sport Lived mates.

 

experience_programme_auz_snorkelling

 

Tangalooma snorkelling day trip

You’ll spend a day exploring the underwater wonders of the Tangalooma shipwrecks, close to Moreton Island just off the Queensland coast. The experience of swimming amongst the wrecks with tropical fish literally within your grasp is exhilarating. You might even spot one of the dolphins or green turtles living in the area.

 

A week in the life...

...of Emma Pate a Hockey player in Brisbane

Monday

Decided to go to St. Kilda for the day - it was so hot and beautiful! Played some volleyball, buried a few people in the sand and hit the cafes!

Tuesday

Spent most of the day by the pool!! Later we had fitness training, sprinting, sprinting and more sprinting! Home to bed for a much needed early night!

Wednesday

We went Kayaking along the Brisbane River. Headed for a browse in the shops then onto the beach to sunbathe and enjoy some beverages!

Thursday

Chilling in my apartment.

Friday

A nice chilled day by the pool, then headed out for some drinks. 
This soon developed as we moved on to dancing...I met
great people and had an amazing night!

Saturday

Skydiving!

Sunday

On the Story Bridge!

Prices and dates...

  • Location
  • Duration
  • From
  • To
  • Price
  • Brisbane
  • 8 weeks
  • 02/07/2012
  • 26/08/2012
  • Standard
  • £ 2995
  • Brisbane
  • 8 weeks
  • 02/07/2012
  • 26/08/2012
  • Premium
  • £ 3995

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.

Brisbane
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.

Melbourne
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.

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Top tips

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS

Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.

Book your place

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

Feeling inspired and ready to take the trip of a lifetime?

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Top tips

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS

Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.

Book your place

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

Feeling inspired and ready to take the trip of a lifetime?

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Top tips

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS

Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.

Book your place

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

Feeling inspired and ready to take the trip of a lifetime?

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Top tips

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS

Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.

Book your place

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

Feeling inspired and ready to take the trip of a lifetime?

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Top tips

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS

Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.

Book your place

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

Feeling inspired and ready to take the trip of a lifetime?

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.