Hockey NZ Developers support Australia to strengthen Oceania's Coaching Network

The New Zealand Coaching system continues to strengthen. The quality of coaching leaders in New Zealand was highlighted last year where Hockey New Zealand partnered with Hockey Australia to support the growth of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Academy workforce across Oceania.

In October 2025, Hockey NZ supported Hockey Australia to deliver an FIH Educators Course in Melbourne, Australia. Co-led by FIH Lead Trainers Michel Kinnen (Belgium) and Ben Owers (New Zealand), the course supported the development of trainee Trainers and Educators from Australia and New Zealand. As part of the course, Educators delivered an FIH Level 2 Coaching course to practically apply their learning.

FIH Trainers and Educators form part of a global network responsible for delivering FIH’s e-learning, online, and face-to-face programmes. Congratulations to New Zealand’s James Birkefeld (Wellington) and Bruce Brownsey (Auckland), who successfully achieved their FIH Educator accreditation. Their achievement adds depth to New Zealand’s growing pool of qualified coaching leaders, enabling Hockey NZ to expand FIH Academy offerings and provide greater support to our hockey community.

This initiative not only enhances coaching capability in New Zealand but also builds valuable connections with Hockey Australia and their coach educator network—an exciting step forward for hockey in Oceania.

Image: New Zealand representatives Bruce Brownsey (Auckland Hockey, FIH Educator), James Birkefeld (Wellington Hockey, FIH Educator), and Ben Owers (FIH Trainer)