Dear Strikers Family,
Welcome to our new members and welcome back to those returning!
My name is Michael, and I'll be heading the Strikers Coordination Sub-committee for the 2025 season, in addition to coaching the Strikers Men's team. Originally from South Africa, I've played hockey at almost all levels (though not quite national) and experienced both high-level and grassroots hockey. I’m passionate about the sport, and I aim to share that enthusiasm with the Strikers. My primary goal is to develop our junior program into a strong foundation and propel our Men's and Women's teams up the Vic League ladder. I believe there's immense talent here in West Gippsland; we just need to organize and excel.
Building on our success in 2024, where our U/14 mixed team and Men's team won their respective flags, and our U/18 mixed team narrowly missed the Grand Final, we’re looking to grow even more in 2025. Despite a mixed year, our women’s team showed great promise. This year, we're aiming to expand our teams to include boys and girls teams in each age group, numbers permitting. Given last year's junior successes, it would be a missed opportunity not to test them in stronger leagues. This requires the right blend of players and coaches to ensure competitiveness. Our goal is to enhance the junior section through better coaching support, increased club support, and assistance from Hockey Victoria to elevate our coaches and support staff standards. This, in turn, will provide everyone with top-notch coaching to meet the high standards we know this region can achieve.
The Women’s and Men’s season kicks off in early April, with the junior season following soon after. As the season approaches, it’s time to start preseason training and gather our numbers for the best season of Gippsland Strikers yet.
Some dates to keep in mind:
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Every Tuesday: Junior and Senior Preseason Training @ 6:30 pm – open to anyone looking to improve fitness and hockey skills.
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Every Thursday: Junior Preseason Training @ 6:30 pm focusing on skills and gameplay. Senior Preseason @ 7:00 pm focusing on building skills and tactical awareness.
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Tuesday, 25th February 2025: Fitness Test, Mini Games, and BBQ at 6:30 pm – $10 for food and a drink. Bring friends, family, and your hockey spirit to start the season with a bang (or burger).
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Mid-March: Strikers Coaching Collaboration Session – a discussion on all things coaching and Strikers.
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5th April 2025: Season Opener for WGHA – I’ll be there for a meet-and-greet and an info session.
What we need from you: Please join our training sessions, spread the word among your hockey friends, and register for the 2025 season. We need coaches and team managers for all age groups, so if you’re interested in any role, please contact me to discuss the 2025 season.
Feel free to reach out to me at strikers@wgha.asn.au with any questions or expressions of interest.
Hope to see you all soon,
Regards, Michael Vorster
