Hockey WA launches Hockey for All inclusion program

A new inclusive hockey program is set to encourage even more people to pick up a stick and take up the fun and safe sport of hockey.

Hockey WA officially launched its brand-new Hockey for All program, an inclusive program encouraging people of all abilities and backgrounds to take up the sport.

To commemorate the launch, coaches from various hockey clubs participated in a coaching workshop on Sunday 29 October to gain an insight into coaching the sport across all levels, catering to the needs of players of all abilities.

Whether it's all-abilities hockey, blind hockey or walking hockey, local clubs and associations will be working with their community to deliver personalised programs that suit the community's needs.

While Hockey for All will begin running statewide programs in 2024, Lower Great Southern Hockey Association is set to run the inaugural program, hosting a five-week program beginning on Wednesday 1 November.

The program will involve weekly 45-minute training sessions at the Albany Hockey Turf for players aged five and over.

In 2024, Hockey for All programs will be offered at Fremantle and Whitfords for players in the metropolitan area, and regionally in Karratha, Collie and Busselton, ensuring there will be a location close to you.

Hockey WA Participation, Inclusion and Events manager Chris Crosby said it was really exciting to officially launch the program ahead of its statewide roll-out in 2024.

"Hockey for All will help more people pick up a hockey stick whether it's all-abilities hockey, walking hockey or blind hockey, and we are rolling out statewide," he said.

Hockey WA regional engagement co-ordinator Keith Old said the program will be a "great experience" for regional players as well as players in the metropolitan area and it will help spread the word about hockey as a fun and safe sport for life.

Hockey for All has been made possible thanks to our partners, including Hockey Australia, APM, Inclusion Solutions and the WA hockey community, as well as the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries, who is a proud benefactor of the Inclusive Participation program.

To find the closest program to you and register your interest, complete a Hockey for All participant EOI.

For more information, contact Hockey WA Participation, Inclusion and Events manager Chris Crosby at chris.crosby@hockeywa.org.au. 

Inaugural Hockey for All program @ Lower Great Southern Hockey Association

Dates: Wednesday 1 November - Wednesday 29 November (weekly sessions)

Time: 5.00pm-5.45pm

Location: Albany Hockey Turf, Barker Road, Albany WA 6330

Cost: $15 for the 5-week program (can be recouped under the NDIS for eligible participants)

Age: 5+. No matter your age, you are welcome to come and try hockey!

What to bring: Mouthguard, water bottle, hockey stick (if you have one)

Food: The canteen and bar will be open after the sessions with $5 meals available

To register, visit the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association website.

For more information, contact Dinah Gordan at do@lgshockey.asn.au.