I started playing hockey at the age of 8, only trying the sport because my friends played.  Hockey fast became my passion, training hard and seeking knowledge and advice from coaches and players around. I have been very fortunate to have had some amazing coaches, mentors, managers, and players through my hockey journey helping me to achieve my goals.  As a thanks for their time, I give back to Waikato and pass on my knowledge through coaching when I can. In 2022 I coached the Waikato Dio 2nd XI where they won Waikato Division Two. I also assistant coached the Waikato Under 16 girls team.

My first experience that made me begin to dream of representing New Zealand was playing hockey for Peachgrove Intermediate at AIMS games where I was named in the mixed tournament team (one of only four girls). Throughout my high years I played for the Hamilton Girls High School 1^st IX. Year 9 we won Chica Gilmour, then two years later we won the Marie Fry Cup.  My final year, year 13 we finished 6^th in Fed Cup.  I have represented Waikato in every age group hockey team as well as Midlands Under 18’s. Thankfully my Mum, our family’s biggest fan/supporter has given us every opportunity to be the best we can.

As a young girl I dreamed of playing for New Zealand but when covid hit I thought my dream of playing Junior Black Sticks was gone.  So, I perused my career as a police officer and graduated in February 2023.  While at police college my hockey dream came true, I was selected to represent NZ at the Junior World Cup Qualifier against Australia.  Thankfully, I was given leave to attend this tournament.  Due to my drive and determination once back at police college I then worked extremely hard to catch up on what I had missed as well as what we were currently learning to be able to graduate with my wing.

Playing at the Junior World Cup in Chile will be an amazing experience and I am very grateful for the opportunity and would greatly appreciate any support to help me get there.”

My name is Jon Tanner and as a major supporter of all thing’s hockey, especially young people who have big dreams and ambitions, I’ve agreed to launch Leah’s fundraising campaign with a $2,000 sponsorship by Craig’s Investment Partners (along my wife Sue and myself), and to help her raise the remaining $10,500 by seeking generous people (or businesses) to each donate or sponsor $100 (or more).

We have set up a grid above with 105 blocks of $100 and invite you to put your name on one (or more) in support of Leah.

Please reply to Jon.Tanner@craigsip.com with the amount you would like to donate/sponsor. We will fill in with the name you nominate and send out updates as funds build and will also have it hosted on the Waikato Hockey website. Please make your payment to:

Team Waikato Hockey
06-0433-0173564-002
Particulars – Your Name
Code – Leah JWC
Reference 153437

Leah will take you along on her journey (with regular updates) starting with their build up, and you will also be invited to a special celebration of Leah’s Junior World Cup experience in Chile, on her return, hosted by Craig’s Investment Partners. This will also include Luke Aldred who is in the NZ Men’s JWC team and we are doing the same for.

Any queries please email or call Leah –   Jon 027 291 9790  or Leah 021 272 0023

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Jon and Leah
Jon.Tanner@craigsip.com