First coach appointed

Former South West Strikers hockey captain Matt Mellor is the first coach to be appointed at the South West Academy of Sport as preparations are finalised for the program to commence.

09 March 2009

‘‘Matt brings to the role a love of the game and a passion for developing young hockey talents,’’ she said.

‘‘We look forward to seeing him equip members of our hockey squad
with the skills they require to compete at the next level of competition.’’

Mellor spent 12 years playing for the Strikers at classic league level and toured overseas with the Hotspurs Invitational Hockey Team in 2002 and 2005.

In the past couple of years he has taken on coaching roles which have included assistant for the South West Strikers in 2006 and head coach in 2007.

He was a trainer at development coaching sessions at the WA Institute of Sport this year and a coach for the WA U/16 women’s team bound for the 2008 FHE Cup.

Mellor said he was looking forward to being part of the academy program and would be selecting players for the squad during trials this week.

‘‘Players have registered for the trials being held in Bunbury over October 30 and 31,’’ he said.

‘‘From there, with the help of representatives from WAIS, we will select 20 boys and 20 girls for the academy squad.’’

South West Hockey Association hockey development officer Megan Pollard said the squad would begin training soon after the trials.

The appointment of a hockey coach is the latest milestone for the academy.

Recent developments include theappointment of a chief executive officer, the donation of a car to the academy
and the filming of a television commercial in Perth.

Work is now being done in preparation for the official opening of the South West Academy of Sport’s administration centre at the South West Sports Centre in Bunbury.

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