The fantastic performances at the Olympics by the Australian hockey teams has generated lots of interest among local players, with many children aspiring to be future Kookaburras and Hockeyroos. Enquiries have also been received from children and adults who think this might be the sport for them, and are keen to try it out.
The Geelong Hockey Association has been working hard during 2021 to promote our sport and to attract new participants. Support from Hockey Victoria and funding support from Viva Energy Australia has been vital to allow GHA volunteers to visit local primary schools and conduct hockey sessions for students during school hours. Programs have been conducted as one-off Roadshow sessions for each class, or as Sporting Schools programs which run for 4 weeks or more.
Since February 2021, we have received requests for hockey programs from 20 schools across the Geelong area, ranging from Anakie to Drysdale. Programs already conducted have resulted in nearly 1500 students participating, gaining practical experience of hockey and the basic skills of the game. Thanks to our volunteer coaches, Claire Barnes, Peta Hanley, Rachel Moon, Chris Weijers, Kye Wingert who have contributed 115 hours so far to promote our sport.
The program continues to be busy in Term 2 and 3, with ongoing Sporting Schools programs in 5 schools and further Roadshow visits in 3 schools.
Five Hookin2Hockey programs have been conducted across the region, with at least 45 children registering for these programs. There are two Hookin2Hockey programs currently operating, with children aged 5 to 12 welcome to join:
- St Ignatius College, Drysdale – 4.30 pm Monday
- Lloyd Reserve, Newtown – 4.30 pm Tuesday
The COVID pandemic of 2020, which resulted in the cancellation of all senior hockey winter competitions and a minimal junior competition, saw the Geelong Hockey Association membership drop from 809 in 2019 to 625 in 2020. It is pleasing that the 2021 season has allowed players to return to the game, with a current membership of 748.
The end of the 2021 winter season is fast approaching, and we are all keeping our fingers crossed that there will be no further lockdowns to interrupt this. Thanks to all those who have participated and allowed the season to operate.
Summer hockey season
What comes after the winter season ends? Why, the summer hockey season of course.
The summer hockey season is a good opportunity for beginners, both children and adults, to #HaveAGo at hockey. The summer hockey season runs from mid-October to the end of February with a break for Christmas and January holidays. Games are played during the week, so you can still play your summer sport at the weekend.
Games are played on the synthetic pitches at Stead Park, Corio, with teams of 7 players (mixed male and female) on half a pitch. This means everyone gets involved, with less running and a more social atmosphere. No sheep stations are on offer. It’s a great chance to gather your friends and enter a team.
Competitions are available for:
- Under 8 – Monday 5.30 pm
- Under 10 – Monday 5.30 pm
- Under 12, Under 14, Under 17 – Tuesday 5.30 to 7.30 pm
- Senior Mixed – Wednesday 6.30 to 8.30 pm
- Masters Mixed (aged over 35) – Thursday 6.30 pm
- Friday Family (adults, children, beginners) – Friday 6.30 to 7.30 pm
We would love to welcome new members to our Geelong hockey family. Why not come and #HaveAGo!
Enquiries: Claire Barnes OAM, ph 0417 015130
