Highly regarded International hockey coach, Roel van Maastrigt, has been appointed by the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) as the new Men’s Hockey Head Coach.

Maastrigt, who has worked in several hockey roles in different countries, has an excellent pedigree in coaching and boasts a unique understanding of the tactical and technical elements of the game.

“Roel brings vast international experience having coached in the Netherlands, Canada and most recently within Australia,” said Mark Hager, National Athlete Pathway Coach at Hockey Australia.

“He has shown growth in all of his coaching roles and has put his tactical and technical knowledge into good practice. His understanding of the modern game and ability to get the best out of his players is excellent.

“Roel also works tirelessly on relationship-building with the playing group as well as all stakeholders.”

NSWIS is a proven breeding ground for aspiring Kookaburras and Hockeyroos. Maastrigt’s role will be to continue preparing junior athletes for competition at junior international events so they, one day, graduate to the senior program.

“NSWIS welcomes Roel to the NAPP coaching network,” NSWIS CEO Kevin Thompson said.

“We are excited to see Roel develop the NSWIS squad in 2023 and 2024; the NSWIS group will aim to develop the technical and tactical skills required to play on the world stage as well as ensuring the athletes have a holistic approach to life outside of hockey.”

The hockey system through NSWIS and HockeyNSW is extremely strong and continues to grow across the state.

“Maastrigt brings international experience to the role from his homeland in the Netherlands and also experience of the Australian style and system after two years with Hockey South Australia,” said Mark Knowles, Hockey Australia Pathways Male Technical Lead.

“Based on the talent within the NSWIS and HNSW programs we are very excited to see the growth and development as athletes transition into Burras and Kookaburra players of the future.”

Maastrigt arrives from Hockey SA and began at NSWIS on Thursday 17 August 2023. He will continue in his role as the Adelaide Fire coach through the Hockey One season from October to December, splitting his time between Sydney and Adelaide initially.

Frances Cordaro, NSWIS

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