Toowoomba indoor hockey teams gear up for state championships

HOCKEY: Hard work and dedication has ensured Toowoomba indoor hockey will feature at a state level this year.

ON TARGET: Toowoomba Funnel Webs under-15 goalkeeper Bobbie Hamlet attempts to shut down Jane Butler's shot at goal. Photo: Visual Hope Photography

Seven Funnel Webs teams will line up in under-13, U15 and U18 boys’ and girls state championships over the coming weeks.

“We’ve managed to construct teams in all representative grades, despite not knowing most of the year if the competitions would go ahead,” Toowoomba Indoor Hockey committee member Sandy Eveleigh said.

“Our player pool may be a bit down this year, but those who have been selected are keen players who love the game, and we know they will compete like crazy.

“I’m really excited to see how they go.”

The boys’ U15 will be the first team in action this weekend – on the road to Maryborough.

“When Toowoomba first started sending representative indoor hockey teams away, these guys were the ones who started playing young,” team coach and Australian U21 squad member Dylan Pember said. “They know the game, know each other well, and should give a strong showing.”

Holly Gilbar, Toowoomba’s first Open Australian representative Funnel Web player and coach of the U15 girls, is also confident about her squad, which plays next weekend in Maryborough.

“The girls have shown an incredible growth mindset; they are always looking to take on feedback to improve their game, both as individuals and as a team,” she said.

“This will be vital as we progress.”

The U13 boys and girls will play later this month followed by the U18 teams in December.

Hockey Queensland has been diligent in ensuring players take the necessary steps to be COVID safe at these tournaments, with players being issued with a s checklist of procedures and restrictions.

“To be honest, we weren’t sure we’d be able to go ahead,” committee member David Hilton said.

“Would players still be keen to play? Would restrictions and the virus make the effort worth it? This was not really clear.

“But in a year like this one, any sense of the kids doing something fun, especially with friends, that is somewhat normal; it’s great for them.”

Originally published as Toowoomba indoor hockey teams gear up for state championships