The annual Hockey Roadshows program in local primary schools provided by Hockey Victoria and Hockey Geelong is about to kick off!.
The 2026 program will begin in Term 1, with 13 schools currently booked for programs. The initial Roadshows period of three weeks from February 16 to March 6 is supported by Hockey Victoria who will provide a coach to lead the sessions, with assistance from representatives of affiliated Hockey Geelong clubs.
Programs are offered free of charge as one-off single sessions for each class at a time which suits the school. Schools also have the opportunity to apply for funding from the Australian Sports Commission to conduct a Sporting Schools program over a period of weeks with repeat sessions for the same class.
Hockey Geelong will continue to offer Roadshow programs to schools after the initial three week period and will be contacting schools to extend an invitation to participate.
These hockey sessions are available at any time of the year to suit the school, dependent on the availability of Hockey Geelong personnel. The program allows students to experience hockey, often for the first time, and learn the basic skills and perhaps to discover that they enjoy the game.
In the last five years, Hockey Geelong has provided hockey programs in 17 to 34 schools each year, with 2300 to 6080 students participating. This helps to promote hockey as a fun and active sport which is available outside of school hours. The practical experience during class time allows children who may not know much about hockey to try it out, and discover that it brings new skills which they can learn and practice.
Can You Help?
Volunteer coaches are greatly appreciated to assist with these sessions, with a modest honourarium paid in recognition of time spent. Details of the program and the times for which volunteers are needed can be found here………
You can also help by speaking to the PE teacher or other staff at your child’s school and encouraging the school to host a Roadshow. Equipment is provided and there is no charge for the Roadshow sessions.
Further details and enquiries: Claire Barnes OAM, [email protected]
After the Roadshow
At the end of each school program, students are given information about hockey in the Geelong area and invited to attend a Hookin2Hockey program and join a local club. We would love to see more children take this opportunity to begin a sport which they can enjoy for life.
