Toowoomba coach to lead exciting new Aussie team at World Cup

A Toowoomba coach has been handed the reins of one of Australia’s most exciting new teams. Keegan Popowski’s first task will be to select a team capable of beating Oceania’s best hockey player before setting its sights on a World Cup.

Toowoomba Hockey Association coaching manager Keegan Popowski has been made the Hockey Australia Women's Hockey5s head coach. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Toowoomba’s Keegan Popowski has been handed the reins of an exciting new national team.

The hockey mentor will take charge of Australia’s Hockey5s women’s team at the 2024 World Cup.

“It was definitely an unexpected phone-call but I’m stoked and really excited to lead this side,” Popowski said.

“It’s an infancy role, so it’s a great opportunity to show my stuff, but there is going to be pressure as that comes with any Australian coaching role.”

Popowski will draw on his experience as a state-level representative team coach when he starts his new role.

Hockey5s, unlike regular 11 a side field hockey is played on a smaller field with less players.

“It’s hard to fully explain what it is but it’s probably most similar to ice hockey,” Popowski said.

“You can shoot for goal from anywhere, there are less rules, less players, smaller field, a backboard behind the goals and it’s very fast paced.”

Popowski’s first job as the new coach will be to select a team for the Oceania World Cup Qualifiers in July.

From there he will lead the side at the Hockey5s World Cup in Oman, 2024.

Popowski will continue in his role as Toowoomba Hockey Association manager while coaching the Australian team.