Hockey WA and OMSB join forces for 2023 Youth International Gryphon Cup

As the 2023 Youth International Gryphon Cup draws closer, Hockey WA is joining forces with a Western Australian port facility to continue providing exciting opportunities for younger players and further strengthen ties to Asia.

Onslow Marine Support Base is partnering up with Hockey WA to sponsor the 2023 Youth International Gryphon Cup, which will showcase the talents of young hockey players at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University from Thursday 23 November to Sunday 26 November.

Running as part of Hockey WA's Asian Engagement program, the OMSB Youth International Gryphon Cup is an under-16 tournament for boys and girls played over four days, giving younger players the opportunity to experience hockey at an international level.

Hockey WA head of Asian Engagement, Chris Ciriello, said the significant sponsorship of the Youth International Gryphon Cup by OMSB will "elevate the tournament, foster community growth and provide elite competition for emerging athletes".

"This partnership also contributes to strengthening our connections in Asia, offering top-tier international competiton to our community," he said.

"With the tournament expanding to 30 teams this year, it solidifies our professional standing in the sport, making it a premier event for our Asian counterparts.

"We express gratitude to the OMSB team for their invaluable support, eagerly anticipating the continued growth of the competition."

Located in Western Australia's Pilbara region, Onslow Marine Support Base (OMSB) operates a crucial port facility, driving regional economic growth through maritime logistics and trade.

With a firm commitment to community and environmental sustainability, highlighted by their Net Zero certification, OMSB is also forging stronger ties with Asia, enhancing import and export capacities.

OMSB managing director Andrew Natta said OMSB was excited to partner with Hockey WA, sponsoring the OMSB Youth International Gryphon Cup, promoting youth sportsmanship and international camaraderie.

"We are incredibly excited to be able to partner with Hockey WA for the 2023 Youth International Gryphon Cup to help promote such a wonderful sporting opportunity for our under-16 boys and girls teams from around Australia and the world," he said.

"We can't wait to watch the battle unfold through the series and the amazing experience for our youth."

The OMSB Youth International Gryphon Cup was first established as the FHE Cup, and was since reintroduced as the Gryphon Cup in its return from COVID-19 interruptions in 2022.

Over the years, the tournament has grown in its prestige as well as in the number of countries represented, positioning it as Asia's pre-eminent tournament for youth players to compete, improve and meet fellow aspirant hockey lovers from across the globe.

In the years that the tournament has taken place, it has attracted national, state and academy representative teams from within Australia, as well as from Japan, Singapore and Malaysia.

Along with featuring a strong presence of Western Australian players, this year's tournament will welcome teams from Victoria, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia.