WOLLONGONG ADVERTISER
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Eden Brown and Phil Ackerman have their day jobs but come knock-off time, they do their best work under water.
The exploits of the Wollongong University Underwater Hockey Club members are so good they have been chosen to represent Australia at the Underwater Hockey World Championships later this month in Hungary.
The duo are no strangers to representing their country. Ackerman is to contest his fourth world championship, while Brown’s previous five world champs appearances with the Australian Elite Women’s team have yielded three gold and two silver medals.
‘‘I have been playing for 20 years and first competed for Victoria when I was 16.
‘‘I’m looking forward to the world championships. My five previous appearances have been with the women’s elite team – this year I’m the player/coach of the Australian Masters Ladies team. There are six countries in our section competing over a double round robin.’’
Ackerman is excited at being part of the biggest ever world championship, with 20 countries set to take part in the showpiece event from August 23 to September 1.
‘‘Australia is taking seven teams out of a possible eight categories. I will be playing in the men’s masters team. I first competed for the same Australian team back in 2006 in Sheffield, England,’’ he said.
He has played underwater hockey, which was invented by the British Navy in the 1950s to keep their divers fit and to improve their ability to move and work efficiently under water, for 23 years.
Underwater hockey started here in 1990, when the pool at the University of Wollongong was built. Soon after the Wollongong University Underwater Hockey Club was formed. Today about 30 players drop into the pool each Tuesday night for regular social competitions.
Information: 0408 381 051 or wollongongclub@nswunderwaterhockey.com