Heroes of Hockey I Phil Newman

Often when people take up a sport in a country town, it becomes a large part of their social life, and physical wellbeing. That is how it has been for South West local Phil Newman - who recently played his three-hundredth game for Boyanup Hockey Club. Reaching the triple-ton has taken nearly three decades of hard work and persistence, but his love for the game is only furthered by the incredible development work and community feel from his club. 

“One of my earliest memories is going down to the hockey field in Boyanup (South of Bunbury) after school and training on the grass field. 

One of my favourite memories from then - of playing hockey in juniors - is going to

the carnivals and playing days of hockey with all my friends

I first got into hockey because when I was about five years old I moved to Boyanup and on the first day of school they handed out leaflets for playing juniors for Boyanup Hockey Club.

That afternoon when I got home I asked my mum if I could play hockey.

I have now been playing hockey for Boyanup Hockey Club and juniors for about 27 years. 

With the support of family and friends I have been lucky enough to achieve what I have in hockey.

What I love about the Boyanup Hockey Club is how family oriented it is.

I also love how the seniors players get so involved with the development and involvement in the Junior club and teams. 

In our local hockey league we have different competitions in the off season to get juniors involved with the seniors to continue their skill development. 

Hockey in WA is so unique because of the way all hockey communities are connected, both through technology and social media, but also the carnivals people can participate in.”