HOCKEY COMPETITION SET TO RETURN TO THE ACT IN JULY

Friday 12th June, 2020

Hockey ACT are excited to announce that the Winter Outdoor Competition is set to return to the Capital Region come mid-July. The Senior Competition will commence July 10^th, 2020 with the Junior Competition and Junior Participation Programs to commence on July 23^rd, 2020, in line with the resumption of school term 3.

Training for all Hockey ACT competition teams commenced earlier this week, and the excitement in the air was palpable. Players, both young and old, took to the fields at the National Hockey Centre in Lyneham, dusting off their sticks and getting back into the swing of things.

“I am really pleased excited and relieved to be able to confirm start dates for the 2020 hockey season.” Hockey ACT CEO, Mr Rob Sheekey stated. “The health advice has improved dramatically in the last three weeks and that is to the credit of the ACT Community as a whole for the sacrifices they have made over the past three months. There are so many positives of community sport and we are really pleased to be able to offer a relatively full hockey season. A month ago that seemed highly unlikely, so we are very grateful.”

The seasons are set to look a little different this year, with games playing later into the year into the warmer spring months, and the inclusion of mid-week games to make up for lost rounds. In addition to the regular competitions available, Hockey ACT are also trialling a shortened Winter Social Season to provide the opportunity to play for those members of the community who have suffered financially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and may have been unable to afford the cost of a full, regular season.

Mr Sheekey continued, “We are really pleased to take the opportunity in 2020 to offer a very full and well-rounded calendar of hockey that will appeal to the broader community, not just to our regular membership. Monday night Masters competition for the over 35’s, Wednesday J-Ball for beginners or those just looking to try something different and Friday night mixed social competition for those that are unable to commit to a full winter season, might be looking to return to hockey after some time away from the sport or just want to have a good time with work colleagues or friends. All of this running simultaneously with our competitions and participation programs that cater for boys, girls, men and women from ages 5 through to 80. 2020 is a season to really focus on enjoying hockey and the social benefits that come with it. We have a wonderful social community and this year we want to showcase the Hockey ACT community to the whole of the ACT Community.”

Hockey ACT are excited for the competition to commence, and are encouraging all players interested in getting back onto the pitch this year to contact their respective clubs. Any new parties interested in trying out Hockey this year can contact Hockey ACT directly where the team would be happy to get you started.

For more information and to register, go to the Hockey ACT website at www.hockeyact.org.au.