Hockey Australia to set up academy Lavasa

MUMBAI: Hockey Australia signed a Statement of Intent to help develop a new academy at the hill resort of Lavasa near Pune.

As part of the agreement, Hockey Australia will provide consultancy services in all aspects of the development of the academy, including assisting in the design of the academy, the introduction of world class coaches to run it and providing intellectual property of various Hockey Australia programmes, a media release said.

Hockey Australia’s chief executive Mark Anderson said the involvement of HA in the development of the hockey academy in Lavasa demonstrated Australia’s standing as a world leader in hockey.

“Hockey Australia has long been recognised as an innovator and leader on the hockey pitch with the success of our national teams,” said Anderson.

“We look forward to forging a long-term relationship with Lavasa to assist in developing hockey as a vibrant and growing sport within India and Australian communities,” he added.

Planned for a permanent population of around 3 lakh residents and a tourist inflow estimated at 20 lakh per annum, Lavasa has already tied up with golfing great Sir Nick Faldo to launch a golf academy and a golf course and with Manchester City Football Club to start a world class football academy.

These projects are scheduled to be completed by 2012, the release added.