A handful of aspiring Peel region hockey stars got an insight into high performance while also honing their skills on a tour around New South Wales earlier this month.
The local young guns formed part of the BMR Academy's first ever touring team, which took to the field for six games while also checking out the Australian College of Physical Education and the Sydney Swans facilities in the week-long trip.
Founded by local Peel coach Jerome Buck, the BMR Academy squad was made up of 14 country-based players from different regions around the state.
The tour aimed to expose the players to a higher level of competition, while also giving them valuable knowledge about the demands of elite sport.
The side compiled two wins, three losses and one draw from their six games across the trip, with coach Buck citing the trip as a "huge success".
"We set out with the aim of this being a development tour, and I'd see all of the kids came home with plenty to show for it," he said.
"In that regard it was a huge success, and it was just a really good opportunity for these kids from country areas to get a closer look at what it takes to further in sport.
"For them to not only have the chance to play on the tour, but also see some of the landmarks of Australian sport and soak up some knowledge, that's huge."
The tour was the start of a big few months coming up for the BMR Academy, which will field a side in the FHE Cup in November while exploring the prospect of further tours on the horizon.
For more information on the academy call coach Jerome Buck on 0467 465 797.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
