Step Inside High Performance: Hockey NZ Strength & Conditioning Internship

Written By Kieran Wells

Wellington | February 2026 Start | 1-Year Placement | 8–16 Hours Per Week

Hockey New Zealand is offering a unique, hands-on opportunity for a motivated aspiring strength and conditioning coach to step directly into our Wellington and Falcons Franchise high performance environment. This one-year internship begins in February 2026 (ideally) and is based primarily in Wellington. Hours will vary throughout the year (approximately 8 to 16 hours per week) depending on training schedules, competition blocks and high-performance needs.

The placement also provides scope to complete a research project aligned either to university requirements or to Hockey NZ’s own performance research priorities. This is an ideal fit for someone who wants meaningful, applied experience that contributes directly to team and athlete development.

Most importantly, this internship puts you inside a genuine high-performance system. You will have the opportunity to support national athletes & programmes, assist in international home and away series, and contribute to preparations for a major pinnacle event – the FIH World Cup.

This is an opportunity to learn how elite sport really works in a decentralized delivery model.

 

Role Description

The internship is designed to immerse you in the daily reality of high performance sport. You will work alongside experienced S&C coaches, performance support staff and regional and national programme coaches. You will gain exposure to athlete monitoring, GPS systems, performance analysis, athlete wellbeing and profiling, and the operational demands of international hockey.

You should expect to be part of training environments, domestic camps, testing periods and remote support workflows. You will learn how information moves through a high performance system, how decisions are made and how support teams help athletes and coaches perform at their best.

Key tasks include:

  • Supporting domestic camps and tournaments in a sport science capacity

  • Supporting the delivery of on-turf speed, agility and conditioning components alongside regional hockey coaches at regional training environment trainings and/or Falcons franchise trainings.

  • Cleaning, organising and visualising data to assist decision making

  • Operating Hockey NZ’s athlete management system to support regional training environments

  • Running and reporting on GPS workflows using StatSports units

  • Supporting national teams remotely during international tours and series

  • Assisting across multiple performance disciplines including S&C, nutrition, profiling and injury prevention

  • Delivering or contributing to applied research projects in areas such as:

    • drag-flick performance using wearables

    • comparing international and domestic match demands

    • athlete profiling

    • injury prevention interventions

    • female athlete performance systems

 

Key Qualities We Are Looking For

Curiosity: You ask excellent questions, seek clarity and want to know why things work.

Proactiveness: You take initiative and solve problems before they become problems.

Humility: You are confident but coachable, open to feedback and work well in teams.

Excellence: You hold high standards, think clearly and care about accuracy.

Competitiveness: You want to grow, contribute and win the right way, and you take ownership of your work.

 

Non-Negotiable

  • Must be available for morning and evening trainings – days will vary but will be communicated in advance

  • Must demonstrate alignment with the key qualities listed above.

  • Must be working toward, or already hold, accreditation with NZSCA, SESNZ, ASCA, NSCA, UKSCA or an equivalent organisation.

  • Must be completing, or have completed, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Sport Science/Strength & Conditioning or a similar discipline.

 

Local direct report: James Birkefeld – Wellington Hockey and Falcons Franchise Regional Lead

How to Apply

Please send the following to Nick Webb, Head of Player Performance Support: nick.webb@hockeynz.co.nz

Applications must include:

  • A CV

  • A short video (5–10 minutes) introducing yourself, outlining your background and explaining how you meet the requirements of the internship

We are looking for someone who wants to learn, contribute and be part of something meaningful. If that sounds like you, we look forward to hearing from you.

Applications will remain open until filled.

Kieran Wells
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