Have you ever wanted to try hockey? Or return to the game after a long absence? Hockey Geelong (Geelong Hockey Association) would like to hear from you.
Geelong Hockey Association, based at Stead Park in Norlane, has embarked on a plan to boost its number of players to 1200. It is planning to implement a number of ideas to attract players of all ages.
President Graeme Dent said the association had 1200 players in 2016, but numbers have dipped to around 765. “We want to get our playing numbers back up to 1200 again to make sure hockey is again thriving in Geelong,” he said.
The association put out a call to members to come up with a list of ideas that will help with recruiting new or returning players. They include contacting former players, come-and-try clinics, a come-back-to-hockey campaign, school events at Stead Park and expanding its summer and Monday night competitions.
The association has seven clubs – Corio, Geelong, Golden Plains, Geelong Saints, Hockey Geelong Sharks, Kardinia International College, Newtown and Torquay. They enter teams in local and Victorian competitions, from juniors to Masters.
Geelong Hockey Association provides a pathway to participate at higher levels for players and officials, with the Hockey Geelong Sharks teams participating in the Hockey Victoria metropolitan competitions.
The association’s junior development pathway allows players to play in higher level competitions and still play with their local club. This pathway also brings the opportunity for selection in Regional, State and National representative teams.
“Hockey has had a great history in Geelong and we’re proud of our facilities,” Graeme said. “We have a hard-working committee who want to see as many hockey enthusiasts as possible play our great game.”
For more information, contact 0419-590-057 or email [email protected]