Australian Roller Hockey team calls for donations ahead of World Skater Games

An Australian team is in need of desperate support needing to raise over $100,000 to compete on the international stage. Here’s how you can help.

They’re the Australian team who needs your support.

You might not have heard of the Australian Roller Hockey team but they’re punching above their weight on the world stage.

Australia’s men’s side will contest the World Skate Games in Argentina between October 24 and November 13 but they’re facing a battle to get there.

Each player and officials needs to raise $8000 in order to compete.

That’s more than $100,000 to just get on the ground and wear the green and gold.

Fundraising has already started through several avenues including Bunnings sausage sizzles, roller discos, raffles, corporate donations and player savings.

Head coach Stephen Hoey said it was a challenge players and volunteers experienced even at local level.

“Everyone who is involved has to self-fund any teams they’re playing in and that’s why we’re looking for,” he said.

“We go overseas and people think Australian sports has got lots of money — but it’s not the case. It’s a great sport which brings people from all different backgrounds together.”

The Australian team will travel to Argentina later this year. Photo: Supplied.

Roller hockey is similar to basketball in many ways according to Hoey with the ball movement and defensive skills.

There are four field players and one goalkeeper on the court at any one time.

The Australians qualified for the World Games, which were meant to be held last year, after winning the 2018 Asian Roller Games.

“Winning that event means we’ll be playing in the top grade which features the best 16 teams in the world,” Hoey said.

“Currently we’re ranked about 20th and our goal is to stay in that top grade. We’re using this tournament as an opportunity to bring through some of the next generation of players.

“The team is made up with about 30 per cent of the last team to compete at an international event before Covid.”

Australia will also enter a women’s team at the event for the first time in over 10 years.

They’ll be coached by Jamie Reid.

“It’s a really exciting time for the women in the sport,” Hoey said.

“We’ve worked hard over the last eight years to get here and they’ll have a fantastic experience.”

You can help the team get to Argentina by donating here.

The women’s team also has their own fundraiser which can be accessed here.

Any donations will go towards helping cover flights, accommodation, registration fees and equipment.

MEET THE TEAM

Filippo Bassoli

From the Melbourne Roller Hockey Club. Born in Italy, Bassoli started playing the sport when he was six and moved to Australia in 2015. A defensive player who thrives in helping his team move the ball.

Filippo Bassoli is an Italian native.

Cameron Boehm has been in national teams since he was 16.

Cameron Boehm

Boehm has played in the national team since he was 16 and has reached double figures for Australian appearances at international events. Started his career with Dandenong before eventually joining Melbourne. Has played in Portugal.

Ashley Clee

Despite being just 20, Clee has plenty of experience having played locally at Mordialloc. Someone to watch throughout the tournament.

Ashley Clee is a player to watch.

James Cook is the team's goalkeeper who has big ambitions.

James Cook

At 19, Cook has dreams of becoming one of the best goalkeepers Australia has seen. He plays locally with the Mordialloc Roller Hockey Club. This will be his second World Cup.

Max Cook

A massive lover of all things skating. Cook will try all forms of the sport and will spend over 40 hours a week on his skate. He’s been involved in national teams since he was 16 and hopes to play for another 10 years. Owns a skate shop to provide for others. Grew up watching his dad play.

Max Cook is a lover of all things skating.

Lee Glass is an experienced figure.

Lee Glass

From the Mordialloc Roller Hockey Club, Glass is one of the more experienced players on the team. Has represented his country on several occasions. One of two goalkeepers on the team.

Will Hoey

Recently won the National Club Championships with Melbourne Roller Hockey Club where he was awarded MVP. Remarkably Hoey he represented Australia at just 11 years of age. He has earned several state call up at just 17 as well. Played abroad in Spain for three months during 2019.

Will Hoey is one of the team's youngest players. Photo: Supplied.

A Western Australia representative who has played abroad.

Jordan Letty

One of two players from Western Australia in the national team. Letty was born in France and was three when he started playing the sport. Thanks to his studies in international business he has played in other countries including Mexico and Spain. A coach with over 15 years experience.

Sol McCarthy, Lachlan Nichols and Jordi Poblet.

Absesolom “Sol” McCarthy

A member of the Melbourne Roller Hockey club, McCarthy is the youngest player on this team. He has previously represented Victoria at state level. He was introduced to the sport by his friend Will Hoey, who is also on the team, at the age of seven.

Lachlan Nichols

Set to represent Australia for the second time and a member of the Scorpions Rolley Hockey Club. Has been playing the sport since he was 13 and is excited about what the world stage could present.

Jordi Poblet

A Spanish national, the 34-year-old was born into a family of skaters and started playing at the age of 4. When he moved to Melbourne he joined the Melbourne Rolley Hockey Club. Is a previous MVP when representing Australia and has captained the country.