'Australia's best' sets sights on Geraldton

Western Australia plays host to some of the best hockey players in the world.

The Premier League – arguably one of the highest domestic competitions across the globe - features Hockeyroos, Kookaburras and imports alike, as well as talented young and experienced WA talent.

This weekend, regional hockey fans will get a taste of that when the Mid West Festival of Hockey heads to Geraldton.

From today until Sunday, May 22, hockey faithful will see Premier League action on the brand-new Geraldton Hockey Association turf, as well as clinics for up-and-coming regional stars run by some of the country’s best.  

The event is all thanks to a strong partnership Hockey WA has built with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, and through the Country Sport Enrichment Scheme, locals get an insight into the top-notch hockey that takes place week-in, week-out in the big city.

Hockey WA Regional and Community Engagement Manager Kristen Jerkovich says the ongoing support has been a catalyst in getting such events running.

“We are super grateful for the partnership we have with the DLGSC in making this event happen,” Jerkovich says.

“The Country Sport Enrichment Scheme is a brilliant initiative that enables organisations, such as Hockey WA, to bring premium products and offerings to the regions on a much grander scale for the benefit of the community.

“DLGSC have also played an instrumental role in installing the two new turfs in Geraldton, so bringing up an event centred around these new facilities is something we appreciate a lot.”

The country WA hockey scene has been a breeding ground for some of the greatest hockey players to ever pull on the green and gold.

For such reasons, the emphasis is important on providing opportunities, as well as high-level facilities and surfaces for players in these areas.

To coincide with the Mid West Festival of Hockey, two new turfs will be officially opened at the Geraldton Hockey Association - some of the first matches featuring Premier League action between Hale and Reds men’s and women’s sides.

Jerkovich says the opportunity to bring quality hockey to regional WA and a newly-renovated venue is super exciting.

“We have two big Premier League clubs in Reds and Hale both making the trip up to bring what will hopefully be an exciting showcase of high-level talent, including Australian National Players, to a strong hockey community,” Jerkovich says.

“This Regional Round is special because we have a number of Geraldton products playing and umpiring in the two games.

“Hopefully the hockey community gets a good kick out of seeing some of their own be part of Western Australia’s elite competition, with kids seeing that it is possible for them too through the Hockey WA pathway.”

Not only is there spectacular action on display, the children and budding officials in the area will have access to world-class players in a number of clinics.

The community will have opportunities to get involved with officiating courses, and coaching sessions for the young talent in the Mid West.

“We are fortunate enough to have Premier League players running clinics for under-12 and under-15s, with Hockey WA experts running Level 1 Umpiring and Coaching Courses,” Jerkovich says.

“That is as well as a fantastic panel opportunity jam-packed full of former and current Kookaburras and Hockeyroos, national coaches, alongside Geraldton locals in Premier League following Saturday's showpiece.

“Hockey WA understands the importance of developing our ‘hockey people’ within the game, be it a player, official, administrator or volunteer.

“We hope that these programs provide the local community with the opportunity to upskill and grow the game in the Mid West.”

Through running such events as the Mid West Festival of Hockey, the growth of the game can be great throughout regional areas.

Jerkovich describes sport as the “fabric of most regional towns”, and says Geraldton is no different to that model.

“Sport is not always about the elite level; more often than not, it is the community that it provides so many, almost like a family,” she says.

“With hockey being a sport for people of all ages and backgrounds, we see the importance it can have on so many lives, and we are hopeful that events like these only continue to fuel the passion of hockey people in the region.”

Local fans are encouraged to get down and get amongst the action this weekend, and to bring family and friends to see some of the world’s best.

For those who cannot make it – the Premier League fixtures will be broadcast from the Geraldton Hockey Association live and free here.

For more information about the Mid West Festival of Hockey and a full schedule, see the article here.