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Play the season in australia

Hockey: Play the season in Australia

Duration: 25 weeks

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Overview

Playing hockey in Australia

Working overseas

Social life

Reviews

Your pad

FAQs

A week in the life

Prices & dates

Sport Lived in Melbourne

Overview

Get the full, undiluted Aussie hockey experience! Play, train and party all season long with a local hockey club. Enjoy shared accommodation at the heart of the action, and make friends for life along the way.

Recommended for:

Living like an Aussie, all season long
Improving your game in a club environment
Exploring Oz with your new mates
Boosting your CV with a part time job

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 Season allows you to spend 6 months living, working and playing hockey in Australia. You’ll have loads of time to make strong friendships and become fully integrated into Aussie life.

You have the choice of two amazing cities across Australia where you will be placed with a hockey club that suits your sporting ability and personality! 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.

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.

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!

Playing hockey in Australia

We have links with a wide range of fantastic Australian hockey clubs who’ll 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. There’ll be drinks after training and matches plus social events throughout the season including: new players’ night (a major event!), pub crawls and an end of season dinner. Many clubs also arrange pre-season tours, a great chance to get to know your teammates whilst exploring a new part of Oz.

Hockey development

Our clubs are selected for 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!

Reviews

NATALIE GEAR - HOCKEY PLAY THE SEASON AUSTRALIA

What was the highlight of your Sport Lived experience?

Running the City to Surf half marathon and chilling out at Bondi Beach afterwards. The atmosphere was amazing and training for the run really improved my fitness.

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

I'm more confident at talking to new people.

What tips would you give to future Sport Lived participants?

Make the most of every opportunity and really get involved with your club.

Why should someone choose Sport Lived?

You meet loads of new people and living in another country is a fantastic experience.

How have you improved as a player / coach?

My coaching has really improved, I'm more confident and much better at explaining techniques and tactics.

...and finally, in a single sentence, I'm glad I went on a Sport Lived programme because

I'm glad i went on Sport Lived because i had loads of fun, improved my fitness, discovered an amazing city and made some great friends!

CRAIG McKEE - HOCKEY PLAY THE SEASON AUSTRALIA

What was your motivation for undertaking a Sport Lived Programme?

My motivation for applying for Sport Lived was my love of sport. I was going to take a year out to travel, however I came across the Sport Lived website and this gave me everything I was looking for. The Sport Lived programme enabled me to play hockey in a different country and also gave me the security of always having someone to talk to if I needed help with anything. This was perfect for me, so the motivation to come on the program came automatically.

How did you find the hockey in Australia?

The hockey in Sydney has been the best experience of my life. The coaching and the team morale made the experience very enjoyable. The standard of hockey is very high, plus the club and your team mates are always pushing you to improve and give 100% in every training and game that you play. The best part was getting to play at the Olympic park which is amazing when you are walking out onto the pitch form a proper dugout and looking up at a stand which is towering above you..

How do you think you have developed as a hockey player from playing hockey in Sydney?

Playing hockey in Sydney has helped me improve my skills dramatically. This is because of the coaching which is very positive and being able to train with the first grade players who help and encourage you throughout each training session.

What did you think of your hockey club?

My hockey club in Sydney has been the most welcoming, social and friendly club I have ever played for. Every member of the club came and introduced themselves to us at the first training session and from then on helped us with everything we needed and made sure we knew about every social event which was happening. This made my time in Sydney very easy and allowed me to have as much fun as I could. The people in the club would do anything for you and getting lifts to games and training was very easy as they will offer before you can ask. The people at the club became my family while I was away from home. I have made many lifelong friends from the club and I hope I will see them all again. The social scene has been very good there has been many social events such as - pub crawl, trivia night, karaoke night, a hockey tour to Albury and Uni Games on the Gold Coast. The social side of this club is one of the best in the world.

What was the highlight of your Sport Lived experience?

I don't have one best time in Australia I have many. Travelling up to the Gold Coast with my roommates from Sport Lived was a great time, going to Albury on hockey tour was amazing and every night out I have in Sydney turns into something - I will be talking about it for the rest of my life.

What did you think of your accommodation?

The accommodation is really good. Our apartments are in the centre of Sydney 2 minuets walk away from central station and 2 mins walk away from the main backpacker bars. I could not ask for anymore from Sport Lived. The apartments are clean and modern with a internet connection, TV and DVD
player. It is what I hope to live in when I am older.

Why should someone do a Sport Lived programme?

In short I would say that coming away to play hockey in Sydney was the best experience of my life and doing it on a Sport Lived program has enabled me to make new friends with people I lived with and also friends from the hockey club its self. Sport Lived gave me the chance to not worry about bills or fees to join the club but just have a good time playing sport and enjoying the incredible nightlife in Sydney. I have met some incredible people and seen some amazing sites and I would not have wanted to do it any other way.

KIRSTY SUGG - HOCKEY PLAY THE SEASON AUSTRALIA

What was the highlight of your Sport Lived experience?

Playing hockey in Melbourne would have to be the highlight, meeting some great people through the club, enjoying the socials and improving my game.

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

I wouldn't say it changed me much, but I have never been one for doing much travelling and now I don’t want to stop! Also I would say it builds confidence as being in a new country can be scary.

What tips would you give to future Sport Lived participants?

Make every minute count, because there is so much to do in and outside of coaching and playing your sport, you don’t want to miss out.

Why should someone choose Sport Lived?

It’s a fantastic way to live in another country and enjoy playing or coaching a sport. Everything is set up for you, so you’re ready to just enjoy yourself and the support and help is there when needed.

How have you improved as a player / coach?

I would say I have improved as a hockey player for sure, it helps coming out from one season at home straight into another season, your already at good fitness levels and you can focus on your skills and game.

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

It has opened up a whole new world to me regarding travelling and being a more confident person.

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 apartments all fully furnished
Located close to transport and nightlife
Shared with other Sport Lived participants
Stress free as the price includes most bills

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 Taran Evans who played hockey in Australia for a season. Highlights of Taran’s trip included playing at the Sydney Olympic Park and going on a club tour to Albury over the Easter Weekend.

Monday

No work today (yay!), so headed down to Darling Harbour with some of the Sport Lived guys for a spot of shopping, followed by lunch on the harbour which was fun.

Tuesday

Working today at a warehouse in the city. It’s hard work but the guys are really good fun and I’m starting to make some Aussie mates! Cash in the bank on Friday – nice.

Wednesday

Training session with my club this evening. We’re working hard on technique and I’m starting to see some real improvements on the pitch. Back home by late evening to enjoy a few beers at the flat.

Thursday

Caught the train to Olympic Park this morning to umpire a match at the state hockey centre. I’m back by mid-afternoon to relax with the guys. Cooked dinner for everyone in the flat; spaghetti bolognaise is my newfound signature dish.

Friday

Headed down to the gym early doors for a light session (it’s match day tomorrow). Later I went to Sydney’s amazing Aquarium with a few of the guys which was pretty cool.

Saturday

Match day today so jumped on a train out to Olympic Park for the game. Nice late start today – 5pm. Match went well, but knackered afterwards, so it’s back home to relax before getting ready to hit the tiles with the Sport Lived crew.

Sunday

Nice hangovers all round this morning after last night’s adventures. Spend the day tidying the flat and head out to buy next week’s food – glamorous hey? Head down to the beach in the evening for a chilled out BBQ.

Prices and dates...

Location
Duration
From
To
Price

Brisbane
25 weeks
18/03/2013
08/09/2013
Premium
£ 10495

Brisbane
25 weeks
18/03/2013
08/09/2013
Standard
£ 6495

Melbourne
25 weeks
25/03/2013
15/09/2013
Standard
£ 6495

Melbourne
25 weeks
25/03/2013
15/09/2013
Premium
£ 9495

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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