Hockey WA returns to the regions with CSBP Festivals

More than 120 young hockey enthusiasts had the opportunity to sharpen their skills and learn from some of WA’s top stars in recent regional carnivals hosted by Hockey WA and supported via the CSBP Fertilisers community investment program.

The CSBP Hockey Carnivals rolled into the Wheatbelt and Upper Great Southern on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 September with stops at the Northam Hockey Turf and the Narrogin Hockey Turf.

The Northam and Narrogin carnivals come after the CSBP Hockey Carnival rolled into Geraldton earlier in the year.

Across the two days, students from 10 schools participated in the carnivals, which saw teams compete in a round robin competition.

Two teams from St Joseph’s School won both divisions of the Northam carnival, while Kukerin Primary School won the Narrogin carnival.

Excitement peaked during the skills clinics that were held immediately prior to the round robin competition, with participants making the most of the chance to learn from Perth Thundersticks stars.

Star goalkeeper Aleisha Power led the skills clinic for her hometown, while top goal scorer Brodee Foster led the skills clinic in Narrogin.

Foster said being part of the CSBP Hockey Carnivals is always good fun.

“We had a fair few schools come along to the Narrogin carnival – a couple of the schools had two teams,” he said.

“The kids always get around it and have good fun which is always nice to see.

“It’s super important to be able to come out to the regions, especially here in WA where we’ve got such a broad outreach in the country.

“It’s a huge portion of what Hockey WA does so if I can head out there, show my face and maybe put a couple on smiles on faces, then I think we’re on the right track of doing what we need to do in the community.”

Since 2021, CSBP has been a steadfast partner of Hockey WA, offering financial assistance to facilitate various hockey carnivals and school clinics across regional WA annually.

Hockey WA Community & Growth Manager—Regional Associations and Programs, Kristen Jerkovich, said Hockey WA was incredibly grateful for CSBP’s continued and significant support.

“These carnivals offer an excellent opportunity for primary school children to get a stick in their hands, regardless of whether they play hockey during the season,” she said.

“Additionally, bringing our Perth Thundersticks players, such as Aleisha Power and Brodee Foster, to these events ahead of their upcoming HockeyOne season to be part of these carnivals is always a great way to help inspire the next generation of regional hockey players.

“Thank you again to CSBP for making these enriching experiences possible."

CSBP Fertilisers General Manager Ryan Lamp said CSBP was proud to support initiatives in regional communities that promote positive physical and mental wellbeing outcomes.

“CSBP’s community investment program proudly supports grassroots sports in regional WA communities, and thanks to our partnership with Hockey WA young players across the Wheatbelt and Upper Great Southern had the chance to learn from two of the best players in WA,” he said.

 “Our regional carnival in Geraldton earlier this year was well received, and we are delighted to see the positive impact that our Northam and Narrogin regional carnivals has delivered.

“Not only do these events provide players of all abilities a chance to enhance their skills, but they also foster important social connections that are crucial to the regional communities we operate in.”

Participating schools across both carnivals included:

Special thanks to Northam Senior High School for providing umpiring assistance during the Northam carnival.

For further insights into CSBP Fertilisers and the positive influence of its community investment program in regional WA, please visit csbpfertilisers.com/community.