Tasmanian U15 Girls State Hockey Team 2026

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Help Sophie convert petrol and perspiration into performance as she chases her 2026 Tasmanian U15 hockey dreams.

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Who I AmHi, I’m Sophie, and I’m a hockey goalkeeper from Tasmania.I’m incredibly proud to have been selected in the 2026 Tasmanian U15 Hockey Team after previously being selected in the Tasmanian U12 State Squad.I currently play club hockey with the West Devonport Hockey Club, where I’ve been fortunate to receive incredible support and encouragement from coaches, teammates, players, volunteers, and members across the club. Their support has played a huge role in helping me develop both as a goalkeeper and as a teammate.I am currently the goalkeeper for West Devonport’s Greater Northern League team, competing in the highest level of club hockey in Northern Tasmania. At just 13 years old, playing at this level has challenged me to continue building my confidence, decision-making, resilience, and technical skills against experienced senior players.Alongside GNL, I also continue to play junior hockey in the U16 competition, which gives me additional opportunities to develop my game and support my club across multiple levels. Every now and then I dust off my field stick and have a run on the turf, although I still think standing in front of hockey balls is preferable to all that running.I love being a goalkeeper because no two moments in a game are ever the same. Goalkeeping is fast, challenging, and requires constant focus, courage, and decision-making under pressure. Some people think goalkeepers are a little bit crazy for standing in front of a hard hockey ball wearing what looks like a suit of foam armour, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.I enjoy the responsibility of helping my team, making important saves, and staying calm in big moments. I also love the teamwork and trust that develops between a goalkeeper and the players around them.One of the things I enjoy most about hockey is pushing myself to improve. Whether it’s building fitness, developing new skills, or learning from coaches and teammates, I’m always looking for ways to become a better player and teammate.Representing Tasmania is something I’m incredibly proud of, and in July 2026 I will travel to Victoria as part of the Tasmanian U15 Team to compete at the SSA U15 National Hockey Championships. What I’m Fundraising ForBeing a goalkeeper also comes with significant costs. Specialist goalkeeper equipment is expensive and needs regular replacement as I continue to grow and develop.Some of the key pieces of equipment include:<ul><ul><li>Goalkeeper helmet (pink, of course): around $295</li><li>Hand protector: around $225 (each)</li><li>Chest protector: around $260</li><li>Leg guards: around $600</li><li>Kickers: around $425</li></ul></ul>Over the past two seasons, my family has invested more than $4,000 in equipment to help me train and compete safely.Living in regional Tasmania also means a significant amount of travel for training and competitions. During just seven weeks of U15 state squad training, my family travelled more than 4,000km to attend sessions across the state, costing around $800 in fuel alone. A single return trip from Shearwater to Hobart for training can cost more than $100 in fuel.As a member of the 2026 Tasmanian U15 Team, I will travel to Victoria in July to compete at the SSA U15 National Hockey Championships. Hockey Tasmania estimates the cost of participation at approximately $2,500 per athlete, in addition to airfares and travel expenses. How You Can HelpYour support will help me continue developing as a player and proudly represent Tasmania through:<ul><ul><li>Goalkeeper equipment and replacements</li><li>State team training and development programs</li><li>Travel and accommodation costs</li><li>SSA U15 National Hockey Championship participation expenses</li></ul></ul>Examples of how donations can help include:<ul><ul><li>$25 helps cover fuel to training sessions</li><li>$50 contributes towards specialist goalkeeper equipment</li><li>$100 helps fund travel to Hobart training camps</li><li>$250 assists with championship and accommodation costs</li></ul></ul>I’m very grateful for any support you can provide, no matter how big or small.Thank you for helping me convert petrol and perspiration into performance as I proudly represent Tasmania at the 2026 SSA U15 National Hockey Championships.