THREE talented Redlands hockey players have been selected among Queensland's best and brightest to take part in an intensive three-day training camp.
Sarah Swann, Jacinta Fisher and Aaron Nyqvist will travel to Ipswich in February after being chosen for the Queensland 16 Years Development Squad for 2021.
The squads bring together promising players to develop their skills as they transition from the U15 to the U18 age groups.
Swann, a hockey player of 11 years, said the camp was a great opportunity for young players to be exposed to high-level playing.
"I'm looking forward to learning new skills (especially) working as a team," she said.
Nyqvist, a goalkeeper and player of seven years, said he was hoping to improve his reaction speed.
"It's a really fast-paced game, and being a goalkeeper you have to be ready at all times," he said.
After being in the sport for five years, Fisher was keen to improve her technical skills.
"The small stuff can really make a difference in games," she said.
The Redlands Hockey trio were eager to get on the field at the camp, especially after COVID-19 cut the 2020 hockey season short.
"We had way less game time, way less time to gain skills in your team," Swann said.
"When you can put in the time as a group, you can be happy with how you all work together."
All three players were keen to expand their skills across all aspects of the game.
"I want to get into a higher-level team, and do high-level umpiring as well," Swann said.
Nyqvist wanted to gain more experience in umpiring and coaching, while Fisher planned to help out younger and beginning players.
After a season of limited numbers and social distancing in place at Redlands Hockey games, the players said they were excited to get back to the social aspect of the game when the pandemic is over.
"The sport brings everyone together," Fisher said.
Nyqvist said it was a wonderful way to meet new people.
"We all share the same passion," he said.
The trio encouraged people who were interested in hockey to pick up a stick and give it a go.
"(Redlands Hockey) is a good club, we all have a bit of fun, it's such a supportive environment," Swann said.