PUBLISHED WED 29 SEP 2021
Perth and Western Australia will continue to be a destination for premier hockey events after Hockey Australia signed an agreement with the State Government, through Tourism WA for the next four years.
The agreement comprises four national championship events from 2022-2025 plus international FIH Pro League matches in 2024.
“Western Australia has been a proud hockey state for a long time and Perth is the base for the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos, so to have these events locked in is a sign of this passion and commitment to our sport in this part of the country,” said Hockey Australia Acting CEO Michael Johnston.
“We thank Tourism WA for its investment and showing a genuine appetite and interest in hosting these events.
“The fact they see benefits of this agreement for the local economy and people of Western Australia says a lot for the regard they hold our sport in.
“WA has a proven record of hosting successful high quality hockey events so we look forward to seeing some of the best male and female talent across a broad age group descend on Perth over the next four years.”
Hockey WA CEO Fabian Ross said the partnership announcement was great news for the state.
“We’re ecstatic to be the host state for major Hockey Australia events until 2025, from the Under 13 level through to FIH Pro League and the Mega Masters cohort,” said Ross.
“Hockey is a huge part of the fabric of Western Australia and these national events will further consolidate the major impact it has on our community – bringing elite-level hockey to the people right around the state.”
Masters is the highest participation and attendance event on the Hockey Australia national championships calendar.
The various underage championships feature the best hockey talent at the respective age levels, including the development of the next crop of Australian hockey stars.
The FIH Hockey Pro League is the annual global home and away league involving the world’s best men’s and women’s international teams.
“Hosting these hockey events is a great opportunity to welcome athletes and their supporters to WA, showcase our fantastic sporting facilities and the many attractions and unique experiences we have to offer visitors as a holiday destination,” said Western Australian Government Tourism Minister David Templeman.
Western Australian Government Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti added: “WA is the home of the Australian Hockey National Programs, so it is very exciting to be hosting such high-profile hockey events in Perth over the next few years and shows our State Government’s support of the sport.
“On the back of the men’s and women’s national hockey teams’ success at the recent Tokyo Olympics, there is now an even bigger interest in hockey among Australians.
“Hosting these events in Perth will only help to boost that interest and encourage young WA hockey athletes to strive for future success.”
Hockey Australia and Tourism WA Agreement - List of Events
- 2022 Australian Under 21 Championships
- 2023 Australian Masters (Men’s and Women’s) Championships
- 2024 FIH Pro League
- 2024 Australian Under 13 Championships
- 2025 Australian Under 18 Championships
Dates and venues for each of the events are to be confirmed.