The 2026 season for the Hockey Geelong local competition is only 6 days away!
The start of the hockey season has arrived with a surge of excitement across the association, highlighted by an impressive 24% increase in senior team entries. Torquay’s new pitch has seen some impressive recruiting for the Torquay club, boosting the overall number of senior teams in the Association.
Grounds are busy with more players taking to the field, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere from the very first round. At the younger age levels, an excellent period of Hockey Roadshows in schools has seen a 32% increase in the number of registrations for Hookin2Hockey. This provides an excellent outlook for the future as these young players progress through the various age groups. More players are always welcome so contact one of our affiliated clubs to enquire about joining a training session to Come and Try hockey.
Unfortunately, the Under 16 competition has hit a hurdle of insufficient players and we are unable to offer a reasonable program for this year.
The growth which is occurring at either end of the age spectrum reflects the strength of the hockey community, the dedication of volunteers and the success of recruitment efforts, and the strong desire for players to be part of the game. With new teams joining the competition, the season promises greater depth, energy, and opportunities for players of all levels to get involved and enjoy everything the sport has to offer.
U8 and u10 teams begin the program of matches at 8.15 am on Saturday at Stead Park, and we love the enthusiasm which these players show. Under 10 teams will also be back playing at Lloyd Reserve in Newtown, providing easy access for those in the local area.
With sticks in hand and big smiles on their faces, young players begin learning the basic skills of hockey through fun activities, small-sided games, and supportive coaching. It’s all about enjoyment, building confidence, and making new friends, with an emphasis on participation rather than competition. For many, this is the beginning of a lifelong love of the sport, as they experience the thrill of being part of a team and the joy of playing hockey for the very first time.
The first senior games for the season are at 12.30 pm Saturday at both Stead Park and Torquay, with players looking forward to the return to the field.
All players must be registered with Hockey Victoria before playing a game, so make sure to contact your club for details about joining a team.
