Five Toowoomba talents tipped for big futures with inclusion in 2022 Futures Squads
The Toowoomba nursery is providing the goods once again, with five boys and girls chosen in the 2022 Futures Squads. We catch up with the talents that make up the future of Toowoomba hockey.
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HOCKEY: The Toowoomba nursery of developing young hockey stars is nothing new, and the latest crop looks destined for big things.
A total of five boys and girls from the region have been chosen in Hockey Australia’s 2022 Futures Squads.
Toowoomba Hockey regional hockey and coaching manager Matt Cook highlighted Toowoomba’s exemplary performance for a regional centre, praising the efforts of the five to make it to the next level.
“Five is the most of any regional centre and it’s an amazing achievement,” Cook said.
“They’re a good group of young athletes with incredibly supportive families and volunteers (around them).
“They’re really driven athletes who have pushed themselves and are comfortable training uncomfortably.
“To deal with Covid and other curveballs, perform at a national level and be recognised in the best 38 players is a great achievement.”
Here are the five Toowoomba players set to make their mark in the Futures Squads.
SAVANNAH TRAPP
The lone female representative, Trapp has fought back from injuries in recent times to earn her place among Australia’s brightest young talents.
“I was super stoked when I found out. I wasn’t really expecting it,” Trapp said.
“I waited so long so just put it all out there.”
The Past High striker went away with the Queensland U18s for the nationals in Cairns and returned with gold, a feeling she is familiar with.
“It was a great experience to come back with the gold,” she said.
“We won gold back in the U13s. It’s so exciting. The thrill of winning in the U13s, is even better at the U18s.”
Trapp is eagerly anticipating the experience of heading south to Canberra to learn more at the AIS as part of the program.
“I’m looking forward to improving as a player and learn new things from different coaches,” she said.
“It will be super exciting. I’ve never been there before.”
OLIVER HARDING
Harding plays his club hockey for Red Lion, but you’d be mistaken for thinking they’ve turned maroon with the amount of rep jerseys he has secured.
“I’ve made 10 Queensland teams,” Harding said.
Despite playing up in age, the 16-year-old forward was a standout last year during the U18 State Championships, being named player of the tournament, helping him to reach his goal in the Futures Squad.
“When I was named in the team it was a very pleasant surprise and is something I have wanted to achieve,” he said.
“My brother has always been a huge inspiration to not only my hockey but my life, and I hope to win the U18s state champs this year.”
DANIEL BURGE
A young keeper with a mountain of talent, Burge is one of six goalkeepers chosen from across Australia for the squad.
Burge has made 12 Queensland teams from the time he started playing, as well as excelling at club level with Red Lion.
Stepped up as one of the younger keepers to star in the Club Glenvale Challenge.
TOM CAMPBELL
Another that has been a regular in Queensland teams, Campbell is an extremely skilled and versatile player that can cover the midfield and centre-half line.
A Rangeville player that has risen through the ranks over the years, Campbell was identified as an MVP contender for the AgEtal Farmers in this year’s Club Glenvale Challenge.
WILL READY
An attacking midfielder that has been on the representative scene in both outdoor and indoor forms of the game.
Shown he has been up to the rigours of A1 hockey with Past High as well as graduating through the Club Glenvale Challenge, one of the region’s most exciting young players to watch.
QUEENSLAND HONOURS
A strong contingent of local players represented Queensland in recent times, coming away with a solid medal haul.
GOLD U15 BOYS: Jackson Smiddy, Luke Siebuhr, Lachlan Ziviani
GOLD U15 GIRLS: Hailey Warhurst, Ella Heganbach
GOLD U18 GIRLS: Savannah Trapp, Bobbie Hamlet
BRONZE U15 BOYS: Hayden Macready
BRONZE U18 BOYS: Will Ready, Oliver Harding, Daniel Burge, Tom Campbell
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