Shepparton Hockey Academy's starlets had an enjoyable foray at the International Youth Hockey Cup.
Shepparton Hockey Academy’s starlets lit up the International Youth Hockey Cup after making the trip up to Sydney for the annual field hockey tournament for under-18 players.
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A squad of rising talents from the Goulburn Valley made the 730km journey up to the capital of NSW for the spectacular down at the Gables Hockey Centre for what proved to be a memorable trip.
Coming up against boys from locations across the globe including Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore and Punjab, the lads from Shepp did the region proud at the round robin stage before bowing out after five games.
Perhaps the highlight of the tournament for the Shepparton Hockey Academy’s youngsters came as they chalked up a victory in the group stage, with this coming against NSW Lions.
In all, Sam McGregor scored six goals, while also taking home the Player of the Match gong for the clash against NSW Lions, as Kasuke Nakada tallied up five goals of his own.
Eventually, they were eliminated as only two sides advanced from the league format through to the boys’ grand final as Punjab’s RoundGlass and Sydney’s NSW Singhs booked their places in the showpiece.
The RoundGlass Hockey Academy from Mohali, India, became the first academy from India to lift the International Youth Hockey Cup, after defeating NSW Singhs 6-0 in the finale.
Sam McGregor with his Player of the Match prize at the International Youth Hockey Cup.
The team from India had already claimed the Sikh Union Club Nairobi Centenary Celebrations Hockey Tournament in Kenya earlier this year and proved impossible to stop en route to this latest trophy, scoring 31 goals while conceding only four in the round robin.
Reflecting on the experience in Sydney, a representative from the Shepparton Hockey Academy spoke in glowing terms about the tournament after its successful inaugural edition.
“Congratulations to entire team of International Youth Hockey Cup Australia for a successful inaugural tournament and both champion teams - boy's RoundGlass Sports and girl's NSW Regional - for winning cups,“ they wrote.
“Thanks to all teams, coaches, managers, players and their supporters for wonderful, positive and hockey environment. I hope you guys had great experiences like us.
“Shepparton Hockey Academy as a unit enjoyed this wonderful tournament and unforgettable memories.
“It was a great experience for our players, coaches and staff. Can't wait to see all next year. Thanks everyone again.”
Shepparton head coach Gurbaj Singh later spoke to the News, expressing his pride at how his young guns fared in NSW.
“It was the first time an international tournament like this has taken place in Australia and it was really good exposure for everyone,” he said.
“We learned a lot as players and coaches and that’s the thing - you come up against teams with such different approaches, playing styles and formations so it was great experience.
As for the performances of McGregor, who was a standout for Shepp at the championships, his coach was left convinced that the player has a bright future in the game.
“He’s a really talented young player, he’s already played for the Australian indoor hockey team,” he said.
“So we hope for a very good future for him!”
The International Youth Hockey Cup will return to Sydney next March for its second edition, as organizers confirmed plans for the next tournament in 2027.
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