Official training has begun here in Jaca, at the 2024 World Cup of Inline Hockey for Masters Veterans and Legends. One team that has stood the test of time, having not missed one of the 13 events since our humble beginnings in 2010 are the Aussies. No one has shown more courage and tenacity than these battlers from down under, occupying a place as perennial underdogs at our games, and are loved all the more for it. Their attitude has always been, despite the challenge they face every year against the titans of world inline hockey, one of pure determination and respect.

But something is afoot this year, as they arrive with a new logo, a new masters federation, and new players that on sight during their early training session today, show more than just potential. Duane Voss, a central figure for Aussie Inline for decades, and also incidentally Vice President of MIHWA, said of his team this year: “We have some seriously gifted and talented players this year, coming to play with serious intentions”. Based on their performance in training today, the assessment is accurate. Evidence of speed and hands are clear, and a style that breaks away from a more traditional Aussie box, and leans into a more global approach, more flowing, more intentional, more confident. Their confidence is so high, they have even gone as far as issuing VIP coffee passes at breakfast, just to favour their big stars and keep them in prime condition. It’s this kind of effort that could see the Green and Gold go a lot further in this tournament, and kangaroo leap up the table.

They hope you will join them live all week and see for yourself! Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!