IT MAY not be an Olympic sport yet, but until such time as it’s recognised amongst the likes of water polo, diving and swimming, the World Championships will continue to unite and showcase the best of the best.
This year those best include four local players, all a product of Wonthaggi Underwater Hockey Club: Jack Ryan, Caden Milnes, Ben Robinson and Kasey Hoskins.
Jack Ryan and Caden Milnes, both Under 19 Men’s competitors, are juggling Year 12 at Newhaven College and Bass Coast College, respectively, with their intense training schedules. Their counterparts, Ben Robinson and Kasey Hoskins, who compete in the Under 24 Men’s and Under 24 Women’s categories, respectively, are training in Western Australia with the world's teams and their coaches.
It’s a rigorous training schedule for the quartet with lap swimming, skills and gym work taking place multiple nights a week.
“I started when I was 11 years old,” Caden explained.
“I was doing distance education. We lived in a rural area and there’s not a lot of social contact, so when my mum asked what sport they should get me into, my dad replied with underwater hockey; he had played it for a few years when he was 18.”
Jack started not long after, following a broken arm.
“The doctor said to swim (as part of my rehabilitation) , and I came here, saw the sign and just jumped in.
“It’s great fitness, a great community and you get to meet people all around the country – all ages, all backgrounds.”
The opportunity to compete at the world level came two years ago when coaches sought interest during a national event.
It hasn’t been a cheap ride since then with training camps and qualification taking the duo to Cairns twice, the Gold Coast twice and to New Zealand (as part of the development team).
“It’s just setting in, it’s surreal,” the duo stated in unison.
“It’s just setting in that I’m travelling overseas to represent Australia – it’s starting to get real,” Jack said.
“Being able to represent your country is not something everyone can say, so it’s pretty special,” Caden added.
“Thank you to all who have got us where we are.”
The Wonthaggi Underwater Hockey Club has a rich history of producing top-tier players.
“Since 1980 our club has produced at least 20 Australian players,” Karl Scothern, Wonthaggi Underwater Hockey Club President, said noting a push in recent years towards junior development.
“We are incredibly proud, as a club, to continue producing international level players, and being able to keep the kids focused to continue with underwater hockey when they leave high school and head into their adult careers – which we have seen with Ben and Kasey at an international level.”
A staggering ninety per cent of state competitors call Wonthaggi Underwater Hockey Club home.
Vice President Mick Milnes wears multiple hats spearheading the Wonthaggi Junior development, and Victorian state development. He’s also the proud father of two underwater hockey players, including Caden.
“It’s just awesome to see juniors coming through and developing to an international level,” Karl continued.
“We wish all the players the best of luck at the World’s. When you see the world’s best playing together, it gets pretty crazy – it’s going to be fierce.”
Similar to cricketer Peter Dell’s international selection, the four Wonthaggi Underwater Hockey players also have to fund their own trip – including accommodation, food, competition fees and transportation, not to mention the travel costs associated with current training schedules.
In light of this Wonthaggi Underwater Hockey Club donated $800 to a surprised Caden and Jack on Thursday night that will be shared equally between the four players to help with costs.
The monies come from the club’s fundraising efforts which this year have included tree planting, sausage sizzles, raffles and tournaments.
If any readers would like to donate an amount to assist Ben, Caden, Jack and Kasey with their expenses please contact Wonthaggi Underwater Hockey Club on 0488 040 028 or via email at wonthaggiunderwaterhockey@hotmail.com and remember to reference Worlds Donation.
For parents looking for an unusual and awesome unisex sport for their children to participate in give the team a call or head to Wonthaggi YMCA on a Thursday evening (7pm).
“Give hockey a shot – it’s so much more than you think.”
The Sixth Age Group World Underwater Hockey Championships will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between July 18 – 27.
