Thanks Kookaburras and Hockeyroos - Aspire Emerging Leaders at Pro League - Sydney 2025

7 Emerging Leaders and 2 Aspire Mentors travelled to Sydney during FIH Pro League Series and engaged in connected experiences with the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras - all of which supported the Aspire Live Well Learn Well Lead Well vision and values. From active involvement in Health and Well Being Sessions, sharing culture and individual journeys to being invited by the Hockeyroos to have dinner and the Kookaburras to attend and be part of an active training session, the positive impact was there for everyone to see and celebrate.

Hockey Australia Chief Growth Officer - Suzanne Henderson and her team commented

In February, Hockey Australia provided a diverse range of opportunities for the Aspire Leaders to immerse themselves in an elite sporting environment. These experiences included participation in team meetings, training sessions, and jersey presentations, offering the leaders a unique chance to engage with top-level athletes and gain a deeper insight into the realities of a career in sport.

The inclusion of international matches further enriched the leaders' experience, allowing them to engage in various activities at each Pro-League event. These activities included roles such as ball patrol and flag bearers, which gave the leaders an understanding of the diverse administrative roles that support the sport.

Each experience provided to the Aspire Leaders was accompanied by clear expectations regarding behaviour and performance, all of which were consistently met. It was remarkable to witness the profound impact this opportunity had on these young leaders. Their enthusiasm and ability to maximize the value of this experience are a testament to their commitment and drive.

Hockey Australia looks forward to continuing to work with ASPIRE to provide these opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples in the future.