Six boys and three girls from the region successfully trialled for Kookaburras’ star Chris Ciriello’s academy team that heads to the tournament in Perth to take on teams from Singapore, Japan, Malaysia and Western Australia.

Those successful in making the team competed against players from all along the eastern seaboard, some from as far as Queensland, for their spot.

Wodonga’s Aaron Sonter, Corowa’s Patrick Blain and Josh Lavis, Wahgunyah’s Dion Wright and Albury’s Ryley Walker are all in the under 16 boys squad, while Amber Evans (Albury), Emma Pontt (Lavington) and Hayley Hutchinson (Ladysmith) will play for the under 16 girls team.

A number of other Hockey Albury-Wodonga juniors are also in the train-on squad and will be in the mix for selection if other players drop out.

Representative team manager Darryl Lavis said the players have been training five days a week to improve on fitness will turn their attention to skills work this weekend.

“It’s an invitation only tournament so Chris Ciriello has been invited for the last 10 years, but he’s only just now managing to take time to put a team together and get over there,” Lavis said.

“They are all guaranteed their spot as they as they keep up their training.”

Lavis said it will give the Hockey Albury-Wodonga juniors a feel for the sport in a professional environment. 

“It also gives them a chance to gain sponsorship and exposure with scouts looking at state and national teams,” Lavis said.

“Quite a number of these kids are trialling for state teams and have been in state teams previously, but this is more nationally-based.

“The commitment I’ve seen from the kids four or five weeks ago when we started to now is fantastic.”

The entire academy squad will travel to Albury in three weekends time to train together.