- 4 - 17 weeks playing hockey overseas
- A taste of Aussie lifestyle
- Working on your game in an Aussie club
- Boosting your CV with work experience
Sport Lived
Active Breaks In Australia, New Zealand And Argentina
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Hockey: Play the mini season in Australia
Duration: 4 - 17 weeks
Overview
Get a taste of Aussie life with our Mini Season hockey programme. Spend part of the season with a local hockey club, enjoying our shared accommodation at the heart of the action. As with all Sport Lived programmes, you’ll also make friends for life along the way.
Recommended for:
At a glance:
- Hand picked Aussie hockey club
- Regular matches, training & social events
- Shared accommodation
- 24/7 mentor support throughout your stay
Sporting adventures
The Mini Season gives you the freedom to combine playing hockey overseas with a more flexible duration. Our links with clubs ensure you’ll be matched with a team that suits your ability and your personality.
We also know how much you’re looking forward to life in Australia – so we give you everything you need to settle in and enjoy your freedom. With city centre accommodation and a friendly mentor on hand 24/7, you can make the most of every minute. Add excellent training facilities and a thriving social scene - life doesn’t get much better than this!
Working overseas
You’ll have plenty of spare time between training and competing if you’d like to get a job. As well as enhancing your CV and boosting your bank balance, working overseas will help you meet new people and provide more structure to your time away.
Top tips for getting work:
- Plan the type of work you'd like to obtain
- Try to gain relevant work experience
- Prepare a CV and have two references
- Be proactive & persistent in job hunting
Employment options:
- Café/bar work: sociable environment
- Office work: good rates of pay
- Coaching: fulfilling and well paid
- Work experience: boost your CV
Working in Australia
You’ll be living close to lots of employment options like offices, shops, bars and restaurants. Contacts at your sport club might also help you to find coaching work.
In addition, your mentor will provide guidance on working in Australia but you should ensure you’re well prepared as the job market can be as competitive as the sports arena!
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! With the Mini Season, you’ll experience part of the Aussie hockey season by spending 4 -17 weeks playing and partying with your club.
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. There’ll be drinks after training and matches, plus social events throughout the season - pub crawls, parties and more.
Hockey development
Our clubs are selected for their quality coaching and facilities, helping you to return a much-improved player. If your performances are noted, you could also find yourself selected for a State representative squad – highly prestigious!
…and finally
What are you waiting for? Get out there and show the Aussies how it’s done!
Social life
Through your hockey club...
Hockey clubs enjoy an unrivalled reputation for their social activities! Get ready to play hard and party harder. Pre-season tours, pub crawls, fancy dress parties, BBQs and an end of season ball, ensure there’s never a dull moment.
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 your chosen Aussie city.
Your programme will begin with introductory drinks during the first week, co-ordinated by your mentor who will also organise monthly social events. These might include a day out at a seasonal sporting event, a traditional Aussie barbie, pub golf, etc.
Reviews
Harika Iridag – Mini Season Hockey Programme
What was the highlight of your Sport Lived experience?
All the people I got to meet.
Do you think your Sport Lived experience has changed you as a person? If so, how?
I am a lot more independent and more confident in unfamiliar situations. I am also far more comfortable meeting new people.
What tips would you give to future Sport Lived participants?
Make the most of it because it is over so fast.
Why should someone choose Sport Lived?
It offers you the support that makes you feel more secure when you are on the other side of the world.
How have you improved as a player / coach?
Yes, I feel more comfortable playing with lots of different people and playing a different structure than I am used to in Britain.
...and finally, in a single sentence, I'm glad I went on a Sport Lived programme because?
I met so many amazing people
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.
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 apartmentsAt 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.
A week in the life...
Of Emma Batten, a hockey player in Melbourne.
Monday
Decided to go to the beach 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
Headed for a browse in the shops then onto the beach to sunbathe and enjoy some beverages! We had the BEST chocolate cake ever!!
Thursday
Started with a run, followed by volleyball. Evening training was pretty intense, but we were rewarded with an invitation to a BBQ! Finally returned home and jumped in the pool!
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
Went to The State Hockey Centre to watch a great game. Had a quick nap, then met the girls and went to the BBQ for some AMAZING shrimp!!
Sunday
Up bright and early to watch a swimming gala. Afterwards, we all went for a meal, then hit the Valley for some dancing! Great night!
Prices and dates...
- Location
- Duration
- From
- To
- Price
- Brisbane
- 4 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 29/07/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 1695
- Brisbane
- 5 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 05/08/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 1945
- Brisbane
- 6 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 12/08/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 2195
- Brisbane
- 7 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 19/08/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 2445
- Brisbane
- 8 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 26/08/2012
- Premium
-
- £ 3895
- Brisbane
- 8 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 26/08/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 2695
- Brisbane
- 9 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 02/09/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 2945
- Brisbane
- 10 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 09/09/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 3195
- Brisbane
- 11 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 16/09/2012
- Premium
-
- £ 4995
- Brisbane
- 11 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 16/09/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 3445
- Melbourne
- 4 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 29/07/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 1695
- Melbourne
- 5 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 05/08/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 1945
- Melbourne
- 6 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 12/08/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 2195
- Melbourne
- 7 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 19/08/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 2445
- Melbourne
- 8 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 26/08/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 2695
- Melbourne
- 9 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 02/09/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 2945
- Melbourne
- 10 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 09/09/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 3195
- Melbourne
- 11 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 16/09/2012
- Premium
-
- £ 4595
- Melbourne
- 11 weeks
- 02/07/2012
- 16/09/2012
- Standard
-
- £ 3445
- Brisbane
- 4 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 14/04/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2095
- Brisbane
- 5 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 21/04/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2370
- Brisbane
- 6 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 28/04/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2645
- Brisbane
- 7 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 05/05/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2920
- Brisbane
- 8 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 12/05/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 3195
- Brisbane
- 9 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 19/05/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 3470
- Brisbane
- 10 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 26/05/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 3745
- Brisbane
- 11 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 02/06/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 4020
- Brisbane
- 12 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 09/06/2013
- Premium
-
- £ 6295
- Brisbane
- 12 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 09/06/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 4295
- Brisbane
- 13 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 16/06/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 4570
- Brisbane
- 14 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 23/06/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 4845
- Brisbane
- 15 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 30/06/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 5120
- Brisbane
- 16 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 07/07/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 5395
- Brisbane
- 17 weeks
- 18/03/2013
- 14/07/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 5670
- Melbourne
- 4 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 21/04/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2095
- Melbourne
- 5 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 28/04/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2370
- Melbourne
- 6 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 05/05/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2645
- Melbourne
- 7 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 12/05/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2920
- Melbourne
- 8 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 19/05/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 3195
- Melbourne
- 9 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 26/05/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 3470
- Melbourne
- 10 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 02/06/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 3745
- Melbourne
- 11 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 09/06/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 4020
- Melbourne
- 12 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 16/06/2013
- Premium
-
- £ 5895
- Melbourne
- 12 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 16/06/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 4295
- Melbourne
- 13 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 23/06/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 4570
- Melbourne
- 14 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 30/06/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 4845
- Melbourne
- 15 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 07/07/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 5120
- Melbourne
- 16 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 14/07/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 5395
- Melbourne
- 17 weeks
- 25/03/2013
- 21/07/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 5670
- Melbourne
- 18 weeks
- 08/04/2013
- 11/08/2013
- Premium
-
- £ 7595
- Brisbane
- 4 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 28/07/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2095
- Brisbane
- 5 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 04/08/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2370
- Brisbane
- 6 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 11/08/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2645
- Brisbane
- 7 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 18/08/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2920
- Brisbane
- 8 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 25/08/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 3195
- Brisbane
- 8 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 25/08/2013
- Premium
-
- £ 4995
- Brisbane
- 9 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 01/09/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 3470
- Brisbane
- 10 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 08/09/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 3745
- Melbourne
- 4 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 28/07/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2095
- Melbourne
- 5 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 04/08/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2370
- Melbourne
- 6 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 11/08/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2645
- Melbourne
- 7 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 18/08/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 2920
- Melbourne
- 8 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 25/08/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 3195
- Melbourne
- 9 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 01/09/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 3470
- Melbourne
- 10 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 08/09/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 3745
- Melbourne
- 11 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 15/09/2013
- Premium
-
- £ 5595
- Melbourne
- 11 weeks
- 01/07/2013
- 15/09/2013
- Standard
-
- £ 4020
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
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
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 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS
Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.
A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS
See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.
A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS
See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.
A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS
See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.
A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS
See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.
A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS
See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.
