Program Sponsors
2026/27 Hockey Program
The GSA 2026/27 Hockey Program is looking to identify & develop emerging talent towards high performance programs by providing a high performance culture, primarily focused on developing the athlete’s potential for State team selection.
Athletes should make their application to trial by completing the Expression of Interest Form
The process for selection of athletes into the Gippsland Sports Academy is by Talent Identification, EOIs and trials. The Talent Identification component of athlete selection is to take place at the Gippsland Championships Junior (u12/14/16) Competition in October 2026. Any athlete in the Under 18 age group must complete the EOI for consideration. Athletes will then be invited to trial in November 2026. (These dates are still to be confirmed.)
The program provides Physical Development (Strength & Conditioning Training, Physical Therapy) & Personal Development, (Time Management & Goal Setting, Nutrition, Media Awareness, ACE Day, Sports Psychology) in addition to Technical Skill Development. The program is led by Head Coach Daniel Godfrey, who brings to the program many years of successful coaching and also has many years’ experience as a player.
Dates and Locations:
GSA Trials: Sunday in November 2026 @ Churchill – date and times TBC
Training Venues:
- Latrobe Synthetic Sports Facility, Mary Grant Bruce Drive, Churchill 3842
- Gippsland Regional Sport Complex Hockey Pitch, Cobains Rd, Sale 3850
- Bellbird Park East Pavilion, Lampard Rd, Drouin 3818
- World Sport Precinct, Wallace St, Bairnsdale 3875
| Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2026 | 9am – 12pm – Joint sessions | TBC |
| GK Training: 12pm – 1pm | ||
| Dec 2026 | 9am – 12pm – Joint sessions | TBC |
| GK Training: 12pm – 1pm | ||
| Feb 2027 | 9am – 12pm – Joint sessions | TBC |
| GK Training: 12pm – 1pm | ||
| Feb 207 | 9am – 12pm – Joint sessions | TBC |
| GK Training: 12pm – 1pm | ||
| Mar 2027 | 9am – 12pm – Joint sessions | TBC |
| GK Training: 12pm – 1pm | ||
| Mar 2027 | 9am – 12pm – Joint sessions | TBC |
| GK Training: 12pm – 1pm | ||
| Mar 2027 | TBC | TBC |
All session times will run as follows:
BOYS & GIRLS: 9.00 am – 12.00 pm
GOALKEEPERS: 12.00 – 1.00 pm
Practice Match Day : March 2027 @ venue & times TBD
- TIME: 8.45 am – 1 pm (approx)
- FORMAT: 4 x matches vs Gippsland All Stars teams (girls and boys teams alternating); games will consist of 4 x 10 minute quarters
Induction Day: November 2026 – TAFE Gippsland / GSA Office, Newborough (attendance is expected)
ACE Day: Tuesday 14th April 2027 – TAFE Gippsland / GSA Office, Newborough (attendance is expected)
Gippsland Bulls Trial Day: u12/u14/u16/u18: @ (dates & times to be confirmed)
Zone Player nominations for the 2027 Junior State Championships will be open at the commencement of the 2027 season. All GSA Hockey athletes are encouraged to nominate if they are eligible.
Strength and Conditioning
Please see our dedicated Strength and Conditioning page.
Support Staff
- Daniel Godfrey (Head Coach)
- Control High Performance (Strength & Conditioning)
- Lauren Nicholls (Nutrition)
- Christopher Shen (Psychology)
Advisory Panel
- Lauren Blunt GSA Board Rep
- Anita Pistrin (GSA EO)
- Daniel Godfrey (Head Coach)
- Jude Bergmann (Gippsland Bulls Hockey)
