Sport
12 August, 2026
STICK WITH THEM: Help Calder United hockey hopefuls go cross country
Calder United’s Morgan Beattie and Ali-Jane Thompson have been selected to represent Victoria with Bobby’s Academy in the Under 16 International Gryphon Cup in Perth later this year.
TWO hockey rising stars need your help to take the next steps in their careers.
Calder United’s Morgan Beattie and Ali-Jane Thompson have been selected to represent Victoria with Bobby’s Academy in the Under 16 International Gryphon Cup in Perth later this year.
And while the pair aren’t strangers to higher grades of hockey, this is a new level for them both.
“We’d never heard of it until we were approached at the Junior State Championships,” Beattie said.
“It is amazing to be hand-picked like that, a real honour.”
Running as part of Hockey Western Australia’s Asian Engagement program, the cup is an under-16 tournament for boys and girls played over four days, offering a high level of elite youth competition.
The tournament is uniquely positioned as Asia’s pre-eminent tournament for youth players to compete, improve and meet fellow aspirant hockey lovers from across the globe.
In the years that the tournament has taken place, it has attracted national, state and academy representative teams from within Australia, as well as from Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Korea.
“When you put it like that it is a bit nerve-wracking,” Thompson said.
“But we want to take on the challenge and give it our best shot.”
The pair have both represented the North Central league and the North-West Lightning region at the Junior Country and State Championships a number of times each. Thompson keeps the opposition at bay as goalie, while Beattie supports as a full back.
“We just want to keep learning new skills at this higher level,” Beattie said.
“It’s great to do it together and with other girls we’ve played with and against before.
“It’s a great opportunity.”
Mum’s Sue-Anne Beattie and Tania Thompson said they couldn’t be prouder of their girls.
“We love seeing them grow and thrive as players,” Sue-Anne said.
“A huge thank you to everyone who has donated items, purchased raffle tickets, or supported this fundraiser. Your generosity means the world.
Calder United Football, Netball Hockey Club will hold an auction fundraiser at the Terminus Hotel, Wycheproof on August 22 to help support their players.
For each player, the opportunity comes at a cost of approximately $4000, covering tournament fees, travel, accommodation, and associated expenses.
If you’d like to help the cause, you can donate by contacting the Calder United Hockey Club on Facebook.
Read More: Local