Ben Bishop is definitely a seasoned hockey expert.
Ben grew up in Parkes, NSW, enjoying a long period of junior hockey, before moving to Canberra, and playing representative hockey.
In 2002, Ben experienced a “great reward”, by starting a three-year stint representing Australia in the senior level of hockey.
After playing for a year in Belgium, Ben moved back to Australia to start coaching within the national network, working as an Assistant Coach for the Kookaburras.
As current Head Coach of the National Junior Program for Australia, Ben explains he’s also experienced many highlights in his coaching career.
“Being a part of the group to win the World Cup last year and Commonwealth Games was very rewarding,” he said.
“I think most coaches would say they like to see how their athlete’s progress, and that they can achieve their dreams and so on.”
Ben believes Australian talent has a lot to offer internationally.
“I think we’ve got a pretty proud history of success with hockey in Australia, at a senior level. Both the Kookaburras and the Hockeyroos have been extremely successful in the last three to four decades, really. I think with the success we have, and the culture in which we play in, I think that’s something we’d be able to share with the world for sure. I think other countries have different experiences that are just as valuable to share,” he said.
Ben believes that aspiring athletes should endeavour to grasp any opportunity they can to extend themselves.
“It’s another opportunity that we can’t really provide in Australia, where athletes are able to go away and be student athletes, and experience a different quality of training, a different level of the training environment, a different way to challenge themselves,” he said.
The seasoned professional believes the NSR program would be a good route for aspiring professionals, for a number of reasons.
“I think it’s a unique opportunity that you guys are offering. It’s a life experience, along with a hockey experience,” he said.
“We sort of see all the time that sporting careers generally don’t last a life time. Athletes certainly need an education and a pathway beyond their sporting careers and play. Clearly an education is part of that.”
Awesome insight, Ben!