Hockey SA Member Update - May 2022 edition

WELCOME

Welcome to the May edition of the Hockey SA Member Update.

The winter season is now in full swing. Premier and Metro Leagues are well into the season with Junior competition recently commencing. The Under 15 and 18 State Teams have already returned from their respective Championships, as we look towards the State Country and Zone Championships later in the season.

We remain optimistic that the Adelaide Fire will finally get the opportunity to hit the pitch later this year, with coaching announcements to come very soon. 

And not to mention, the Pitch 1 redevelopment continues, which we update in greater detail below. 

We wish all teams success in the coming weeks of competition. 

PITCH 1 UPDATE

The Pitch 1 redevelopment is progressing well and running to plan. The team at Polytan are happy with the progress so far and remain confident that our expected completion date will be met.

Whilst it may seem that not a lot of progress has been made these past few weeks, in actual fact, this is exactly what is meant to be happening. After the bitumen was laid, the process requires the pitch to lay dormant for at least 28 days, in order for the surface to properly cure. Thankfully we haven't endured excessive rain these past few weeks, which has allowed adequate curing time.

The next phase of redevelopment will see the installation of the shock pads, before the top layer of turf is laid. A process which commences this week.

We look forward to showcasing the new pitch to the hockey community very soon.

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Under 15 & 18 State Teams Congratulations to the players who competed in the recent Hockey Australia National Championships. Our Under 15's boys and girls teams competed under tough conditions in Newcastle. Well done to Bruce Hammond for being awarded both Top Goal Scorer and Player of the Tournament for the Under 15 Boys. Our Under 18's men's and women's teams played in some hard-fought games and thrilling comebacks were seen across the week of competition. Special thanks to all the Team Managers, parents and support staff who travelled with the teams.

Under 21 Trials Trials for the upcoming Under 21 State Teams have commenced. Wednesday morning saw the men put through their paces in the trials. The women will have their opportunity on Friday morning. We look forward to seeing which players will feature in the Under 21 State Championships in Western Australia, later this year.  Keep up to date with all the selection details on the Hockey SA social media pages.

WELCOME TO JAMIE DOWLING

Welcome to Jamie Dowling, Hockey SA's new Participation Officer.

Jamie's role at Hockey SA will include working with clubs and associations on strategies to get more kids into playing Hockey at club level. His position is a very important one and something we’ve definitely been lacking in order to grow the game, and help our clubs at a grassroots level. Jamie is also working closely with clubs and schools to build participation and awareness of the Hook In2 Hockey program.

Jamie comes to Hockey SA with broad knowledge and experience in community sport, having worked in junior development as a hockey coach for all junior age groups. His last occupation was at TreeClimb, Australia’s first inner city adventure aerial park, in which he proved himself as a leader while helping staff development and growing all aspects of the business.  

He currently plays at Premier League level for Seacliff Hockey Club, and also coaches their Under 18 boys’ team. Jamie is currently studying at university to build a future in health.

HOOK IN2 HOCKEY

Hookin2Hockey is back for Term 2. Hookin2Hockey gives children the opportunity to learn the basic skills of hockey, develop fundamental motor skills and make friends all while beginning their lifelong love of hockey!

To learn more about the program and how you can get your club involved, contact Hockey SA's Participation Officer, Jamie Dowling - jamie.dowling@hockeysa.com.au

Click on the tile below for more Hookin2Hockey details.

BREAKTHROUGH COMMUNITY ROUND

Mental illness doesn’t discriminate – and that includes our sporting communities. Players, teammates, coaches, support staff and volunteers. Our friends and family on the sidelines. Hockey SA is proud to be supporting the Breakthrough Community Round, supported by Fleurieu Milk Company, on the weekend of 7th May. It's not too late to be part of the Breakthrough Community Round. Click here to register your club's involvement.  You can also make a donation to support Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation by visiting our Hockey SA fundraising page.  read more >