Years of hard work, training and development have paid off for The Armidale School’s Will Brissett, who has been selected as goal keeper in both the NSW under 18s and Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Opens hockey squads.
Initially, Will was selected for NSW following the U18s State championships, where he helped Hockey New England to a fine tournament against many of the state’s best young players.
Along with TAS Firsts teammate Ben Moffatt, Will was then part of a Barbarians team comprising boys from Great Public Schools (GPS) Combined Associated Schools (CAS) and Association of Independent Co-educational Schools (AICES), to an undefeated run during the CIS Hockey Trials at Moorebank in Sydney on 20 May. His efforts and skills were rewarded with selection, despite some fierce competition.
“I’m very grateful to be selected – there were other boys there that could just as easily have made it,” he said.
“It was pretty intense, as the games followed special keeper trials earlier in the morning, blocking shots from 20 guys at the top of the circle and then also one-to-one where selectors were looking at our reflex and positioning.”
TAS MIC Hockey Alex Portell said his selection was well deserved.
“Will has put hours of effort over many years to becoming the hockey player he is, and we wish him all the best for the future as he represents his school, city and state at this elite level.”
The 16-man squad includes players from Sydney, Bathurst, the South Coast, and Tamworth.The All Schools championships will be played at Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre on 15 June.
