Toby Peoples was awarded the highest goal scorer at the Under-14’s National Championships last week in Brisbane, scoring up to 23 goals across 12 games.
The young Illawarra hockey player has spent the past nine years representing the University of Wollongong Hockey Club, and believes that his recent success is finally showing the results he has been striving for. Motivating him to keep pushing his game to the next level.
“This achievement means that I contributed to my team and I’m satisfied with how I played,” mentioned the young star.
Toby mentioned that becoming the Captain for the NSW State Boys team is something that he takes on with pride and enjoyment.
“I’m very proud to wear the NSW uniform and play with my teammates”, he said.
“The nationals experience was great fun, and I had lots of fun with my mates.”
Toby’s mother Sally Johnston, a long-time hockey player and UOW junior coach, says that seeing Toby named the highest goal scorer felt natural for the kind of player he is.
“Goalscoring is what he likes to do, it suits his personality. He’s always been that kind of kid that just wants to do the flashy thing.”
Both Ms. Johnston and Toby agree that his success is due to the amount of hard work and dedication he has for the sport.
“I credit my success to hard work, practice and good coaches. My training is four to five training sessions a week and two games.” Toby explained.
“I see him being awarded highest goal scorer as a reward for the effort he put in. It’s great seeing your kids do good things but also have a good time!” said Ms. Johnston.
Looking to the future, Toby said he hopes to continue developing his skills and achieving great things in Hockey.
“I hope to continue to improve and make the Under 16’s state team.” He said.
In support of Toby’s aspirations his mother says she will continue to encourage him as best she can.
“I hope they get as far as they can and I can just aid in the process. I know at the moment he’s pretty keen to push his hockey as far as he can go.”