My name is Georgia Staines, I’m a 22-year-old hockey player from Goulburn, NSW, and I am incredibly proud to have been selected in the Australian Indoor Futures Development Hockey Team. This team is a key steppingstone toward the Australian Indoor World Cup team, with the next World Cup taking place in 2029. As part of this program, I have been selected to compete in the Big Apple Tournament in Philadelphia, USA, taking place in late February. This elite international tournament provides invaluable exposure and development opportunities; however, the tour is 100% self-funded, and I am raising funds to help cover the costs of travel, accommodation, tournament fees, and preparation. The total cost of this opportunity is close to $7,000, and with the tournament approaching quickly, there is limited time to raise the required funds.

Hockey has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing outdoor hockey at six years old and began indoor hockey around the age of twelve. From the moment I stepped onto an indoor court, I fell in love with the game. The fast pace, high skill level, and constant intensity of indoor hockey make it incredibly exciting, and it quickly became my favorite version of the sport. I train and compete because I genuinely love the game and the challenge it brings.

My motivation is deeply personal. My older twin brothers have represented Australia at the last two Indoor World Cups, and growing up watching their journeys has inspired me to chase the same goal. Representing Australia at a World Cup would be an honor, and being part of the Futures Development team is a major step toward making that dream a reality. Competing at the Big Apple Tournament will allow me to test myself against high-quality international competition, continue developing my skills, and prove I belong at the next level.

Every donation, big or small, will go directly toward helping me represent Australia and continue pursuing my goal of playing at the Indoor World Cup in three years’ time. I am extremely grateful for any support and for everyone who helps make this opportunity possible.