By Tara Murray
Two of Caroline Springs’ youngest stars are preparing to showcase their skills at a higher level.
Hunnardeep Kaur Sandhu and Coen Sykes have both been selected in teams for the Junior State Championships that start next month.
Sandhu is the first homegrown Springer to be selected for the JSC. She will play in the North West Tigers under-13 girls team.
This year was the first time the 11-year-old had tried out to make the Tigers’ team.
“I’m really happy,” she said. “Last year I didn’t know about this and my coach said to mum that I should try out for it,” she said.
“It was kind of 50-50 if I made the team as there was a lot of really good players. On the other hand I did my best.
“I’m really excited.”
Sandhu said she was excited about the championships and had already seen a difference in the skill level at training.
“I’m expecting it to be a challenge. There are some really good players and I’m looking forward to setting my goals,” she said.
Sandhu, who used to play hockey with her cousins and brothers for fun, joined the Springers last season at her uncle’s suggestion.
She’s played in the Springers junior program, while also playing for one of their senior sides.
She said it was challenging playing both.
“It is really tough, as they are really good,” she said of the women’s side.
“I have to watch out as they hit the ball harder.
“They have more skills. I’ve learned a lot from them.”
This is Sykes’ third year of being part of the JSC, but this time it will be a little bit different, with him playing juniors at a new club.
He will represent the Eastern Hotshots under-13 boys.
“I have played twice before this year, but I’m at a new club [Camberwell].
“As the club is in a different metro region, I’m playing for them.”
Sykes said it was a challenge each week playing for two different clubs, while playing juniors and seniors.
As there is no junior team in his age group at Caroline Springs, he plays with one of their men’s sides.
“Once you play against the men, it’s easier to jump down to the lower grades,” he said.
Sykes, who has been playing hockey for seven years, said the best thing about the JSC was the friends he had made.
He started playing after his father took up the sport.
“I thought I would give it a go, and I love it.”
As well as combining playing for two clubs and training with the Hotshots, Sykes has been part of the Hockey Victoria Academy for two years.
He was also part of the team that won gold last year at the School Sports Australia Championships and hopes to make the under-13 state team this year.
