A close-up of a hockey stick and puck on an artificial grass hockey field signifying Maribyrnong Sports Academy's Hockey program

Hockey Academy Program

Program Overview

The Maribyrnong Sports Academy (MSA) Hockey Program is a specialised high-performance development program designed to support talented young hockey players in achieving their sporting goals while maintaining excellence in the classroom. The program provides student-athletes with access to expert coaching, modern training methodologies, and a structured development pathway aimed at preparing athletes for selection in Victorian and Australian representative teams.

The primary objective of the MSA Hockey Program is to develop technically skilled, tactically aware, and physically prepared hockey players capable of competing at the highest levels of junior hockey. Through a combination of individual skill development, game awareness training, and high-performance preparation, athletes are equipped with the tools required to progress through state and national hockey pathways.

At MSA, student-athletes are placed at the centre of the development process. Coaches work closely with each athlete to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and performance goals. Training programs are designed to challenge athletes while fostering confidence, resilience, leadership, and a strong work ethic. The program encourages players to take ownership of their development and develop habits that will benefit them both on and off the field.

The Hockey Program delivers best-practice coaching within a safe, supportive, and productive learning environment. Sessions are designed to improve core hockey skills including ball control, passing, receiving, tackling, elimination techniques, goal scoring, positional play, and decision-making under pressure. Athletes also develop a deeper understanding of game structures, tactical concepts, and match strategies that are essential for success in modern hockey.

A key strength of the program is its ability to provide dynamic and individualised training experiences. Recognising that every athlete develops at a different rate, coaches tailor training opportunities to meet the specific needs of each player. This personalised approach helps maximise development while ensuring athletes remain engaged and motivated throughout their journey.

All training sessions are conducted on the dedicated Maribyrnong Sports Academy Hockey Pitch, providing student-athletes with regular access to quality facilities in a familiar high-performance environment. This consistency allows athletes to refine their skills and prepare effectively for club, representative, and pathway competitions.

Beyond hockey development, MSA places a strong emphasis on helping student-athletes successfully balance their sporting commitments with their academic studies. The program aims to develop well-rounded young people who demonstrate discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and respect. Through expert coaching, high-performance training, and a commitment to holistic athlete development, the MSA Hockey Program provides an outstanding platform for aspiring hockey players to pursue excellence and achieve their full potential.

One of our female hockey students at training
Image of Jesse Workman, head hockey coach, smiling, wearing a dark jacket with a logo, holding a hockey stick, standing against a blue background with text about his coaching career.
One of our Hockey students at traing holding a stick
A list of coaches for an sports team with the title 'Coaches' on a blue background. Names include Chris Pearson, Bridget De La Mere, and Emma Leighton, with their respective titles. The bottom features a yellow band with the letters 'MSA' in dark blue.
A female coach watches to of her student athletes compete at training