Neuquén, Argentina – Young hockey players from the Austral Association recently gained valuable experience at the Regional Training Center hosted by the Argentine Hockey Confederation (CAH) in Neuquén. The intensive training camp provided a platform for emerging talent from the region to hone their skills under the guidance of national coaches, signaling a continued investment in the growth of the sport in Patagonia.
Six athletes representing three clubs – Náutico Rada Tilly, Chenque Rugby Club, and Club Santa Lucía – participated in the program. This initiative underscores the Austral Association’s commitment to developing a pipeline of skilled players capable of competing at the national level. The focus on regional development is crucial for expanding the reach and competitiveness of Argentinian hockey.
Emilia Buzzi, Agostina Saiz Torres, and Uma Klingler represented Náutico Rada Tilly, while Manuela Villegas Bauger and Agustina Cardozo showcased their abilities from Chenque Rugby Club. Franca Robledo rounded out the contingent from Club Santa Lucía. The players benefited from focused training sessions designed to improve their technical, physical, and tactical understanding of the game.
“We celebrate their commitment and the great work done, which continues to promote the growth of hockey in the Austral Association,” the Austral Field and Track Hockey Association proudly announced on their Facebook page. This sentiment highlights the importance of these opportunities for player development and regional pride.
Annual Austral Hockey Tournament Begins
Alongside the national-level training, the Austral Association’s Annual 2026 tournament kicked off over the weekend, with matches played across three venues: Calafate RC, Chenque RC, and Náutico Rada Tilly. The tournament features a range of age groups, from Under 12 to Under 19, as well as a First Ladies division, providing competitive opportunities for players of all levels.
In the opening matches of the First Ladies competition, Chenque RC, Calafate RC, and Náutico Rada Tilly secured victories. Chenque RC defeated Deportivo Portugués 3-0, while Calafate RC overcame Comodoro RC with a score of 5-1. Náutico Rada Tilly completed the winning trio, beating Santa Lucía 3-0. These early results set the stage for a competitive season.
Tournament Results – First Date
- SUB 12 – Deportivo Portugués vs Chenque RC. – Santa Lucía 0 / Náutico Rada Tilly 0.
- SUB 14 – Deportivo Portugues 0 / Chenque RC 8. – Santa Lucía 0 / Náutico Rada Tilly 6.
- SUB 16 – Deportivo Portugues 0 / Chenque RC 12. – Commodore RC 0 / Calafate RC 15. – Santa Lucía 0 / Náutico Rada Tilly 5.
- SUB 16 GENTLEMEN – Deportivo Portugués 0 / Chenque RC 0.
- SUB 19 – Deportivo Portugues 3 / Chenque RC 3. – Commodore RC 0 / Calafate RC 4. – Santa Lucía 0 / Náutico Rada Tilly 13.
- FIRST LADIES – Deportivo Portugués 0 / Chenque RC 3. – Commodore RC 1 / Calafate RC 5. – Santa Lucía 0 / Náutico Rada Tilly 3.
The tournament’s opening weekend also saw action in the Under 12, Under 14, Under 16, Under 16 Men’s training categories, and Under 19 divisions. The comprehensive schedule demonstrates the Austral Association’s dedication to fostering hockey at all levels of play.
The Regional Training Center and the commencement of the Annual Tournament represent significant steps forward for hockey development in the Austral region. The dedication of these young athletes, combined with the support of their clubs and the Austral Association, promises a bright future for the sport in Patagonia. The focus now shifts to continued training and competitive play as the season progresses.
What comes next for these athletes is continued development within their respective clubs and potential future opportunities at national training camps. The Austral Association will undoubtedly continue to monitor their progress and provide support as they strive to reach their full potential. Share your thoughts on the rising stars of Austral hockey in the comments below!
