Junior hockey across WA continues to show strong engagement at the front end, with great energy coming through our Clubs and Regional Associations It’s also been a fantastic start to the first half of the year for the game more broadly, with strong competition, pathway success, and community connection on display across the state.
At the same time, we know there’s more work to do to keep players connected as they move through the pathway and ensure the experience stays relevant and enjoyable at every stage
Shayley McGurk-Davy
There’s still plenty ahead this year, with a strong calendar of competitions, development opportunities, and community initiatives to come We’re looking forward to building momentum across the back half of the season and continuing to strengthen the junior game across WA
Message from: GM - Game Development & Operations
Hookin2Hockey continues to provide a strong entry point into our sport, with 3694 participants currently registered under the payment class across Western Australia.
PARTICIPATION PULSE
It remains remarkably balanced with 1852 males and 1842 females taking part The program is also reaching communities across the whole state, with 2228 metropolitan participants and 1466 regional participants.
Th gender balance is reflected across both metro and regional areas too metro participation includes 1122 females and 1106 males, while regional participation includes 746 males and 720 females.
These figures highlight the ongoing success of Hookin2Hockey in creating accessible, welcoming and inclusive opportunities for child and families to connect with hockey, regardless of location or gender. With almost equal male and female participation and strong regional representation, the program continues to play a vital role in growing the game throughout Western Australia.
HIGHLIGHTS & SUCCESSES
Hockey Australia Teacher Ambassador Program
The Annual YM Carnival held Sunday 19 April brought together approximately 700 junior players from a wide range of clubs, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere The focus was on participation, enjoyment and connection, giving young players the opportunity to play, learn and re‐engage with hockey before the season officially commenced.
It looked like a wonderful event, credit to YMCC for the incredible effort hosting the much-loved carnival!!
The Hockey Australia Teacher Ambassador Program is a free initiative that supports teachers to bring hockey into their schools. Ambassadors receive access to curriculum-aligned resources, professional development opportunities, and support to connect students with hockey through school-based programs and local clubs. You can sign up here: https://www revolutionise com au/hi2hschools/home
YMCC Carnival
WA has achieved Silver recognition in the 2026 Pride in Sport Index, based on our work across 2025.
This is a fantastic achievement and a clear reflection of the collective effort across our organisation to build a more inclusive, welcoming and safe environment for LGBTQ+ participants, staff, officials and volunteers Importantly, this result demonstrates our strong and consistent positive trajectory, following Bronze recognition in 2023, Silver recognition in 2024 and again in 2025
In addition to Hockey WA’s organisational outcome, it’s also worth celebrating the success of our community Perth Pythons Hockey Club was awarded Community Sporting Organisation of the Year and also achieved Gold Community Sporting Organisation recognition These achievements highlight the leadership and impact being made not only at a state level, but across our affiliated clubs and volunteers.
While we should take a moment to celebrate this progress, we are now setting our sights on achieving Gold in the Pride in Sport Index in 2027
Silver Certification - Pride in Sport Index 2026
Hockey
HIGHLIGHTS & SUCCESSES
ETP Programs
Hockey in the South West
The 2026 ETP program has been a resounding success across the South West, bringing energy, skill development and a love of hockey to communities throughout Bunbury, Busselton and surrounding regions.
At the heart of this impact is Keith Old, Hockey WA’s South West Regional Engagement Coordinator, whose leadership and strong connection to the region continues to drive participation, strengthen partnerships, and create meaningful development opportunities across schools and clubs
School Engagement Highlights
Across the program, over 1,100 students participated, with schools embracing the opportunity to experience hockey in a fun, inclusive and engaging environment The reach and enthusiasm across the region highlights the continued growth of the game at a grassroots level.
Clinics & Community Activation
The momentum continued beyond schools, with a vibrant calendar of clinics and community events running from January through June These sessions attracted more than 360 participants and created fantastic entry points for new players while supporting the development of existing athletes
Congratulations to the Under 21's Men, claiming their 5th consecutive National Championship, 4-4 at the end of regular time and winning 3-1 in a shootout an outstanding achievement for the program and the WA hockey community
A big congratulations to our U21's Women on a great tournament, finishing 4 and narrowly missing out on the
U21 Men - 5 Time National Champions
U21 Women
Bronoze medal. th
U16 Gold Team Boys
The U16 Gold Team Girls put together a highly competitive tournament, narrowly missing out on a podium finish. After an evenly matched contest, they went down 3–4 in a shoot‐out to the ACT, finishing fourth and demonstrating resilience and quality hockey across the event
U16 Black Team Boys
Competing in the 9–12th classification, the U16 Black Boys recorded a 1–0 win over Tasmania, a 0–0 draw with Territory Stingers, and a narrow 0–1 loss to Victoria Development to finish 11th overall. The team was also recognised with the Play the Whistle Award, reflecting their sportsmanship and respect for the game
The U16 Black Girls finished 8th, capping off a determined tournament with a closely contested 0–1 defeat to QLD Gold in the 7th/8th play‐off. The group showed strong competitiveness and continued development throughout the championship
U16
U16 Gold Team Girls
Black Team Girls
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Group Country
WOMENS COUNTRY CHAMPS
The Women's Country Week was held on the 19th - 21st June (the 3rd weekend in June).
MENS COUNTRY CHAMPS
The Men's Country Week was held on the 26th - 28th June (the 4th weekend in June)
2026 Fuel to Go & Play Hookin2Hockey Carnival: Perth
Event details:
Date: Sunday 26th July 2026
Time: 8:30am to 1:30pm *subject to volume of nominations
Location: Alderbury Reserve, Floreat
Registration: Open to all Hockey WA affiliated clubs and associations.
Registration fee: $80 per team, payable through the online portal.
2026 Fuel to Go & Play Hookin2Hockey Carnival: Hosted By Busselton
Event details:
Date: Sunday 23th August 2026
Time: 9:00am to 2:00pm *subject to volume of nominations
Location: Busselton Hockey Stadium
Registration:
Open to all Hockey WA affiliated clubs and associations
Registration fee: $78 per team, payable through the online portal
Fuel to Go & Play Junior Club Championships
Starting in 2026, the Fuel to Go & Play Junior Club Championships will introduce update age groupings for all competitions There will now be two divisions:
J 7/8/9
J 10/11/12
These changes reflect the structure used in some regional junior competitions and aim to create a fresh experience for metropolitan clubs The revised format will give teams access to a broader pool of players compared to previous years, with the goal of supporting separate Girls and Boys competitions in the J 10/11/12 division
Througout the tournament the F2GP Healthy Cafe Menu will be launched. You can take a look at the options below!
F2GP Healthy Cafe Menu
For more information you can visit https://www hockeywa org au/compsevents/fuel-to-go-play-junior-club-champs
Monday 6th July - Wednesday 8th July 7/8/9 Girls Club Championships Perth Hockey Stadium
Wednesday 8th July - Friday 10th July 7/8/9 Boys Club Championships
Monday 13th July - Wednesday 15th July 10/11/12 Boys Club Championships
Wednesday 15th July - Friday 17th July 10/11/12 Girls Club Championships
Schools Events at Perth Hockey Stadium
Perth Hockey Stadium
Perth Hockey Stadium
Perth Hockey Stadium
Across the June period, Perth Hockey Stadium hosted a number of Schools Carnivals lead by the ACC and SSWA.
ACC Hockey Challenge - Hockey Challenge Results & Fixtures | Associated & Catholic Colleges of WA
The Div 1 Boys competition included Bunbury Christian Grammar, John XXIII, Mazenod, Sacred Heart, Newman College and St Mark’s
The Div 2 Boys competition included St Joseph’s Northam, Frederick Irwin, St George’s, Corpus Christi and John Septimus Roe.
The Div 1 Girls competition included Newman College, Kingsway Christian College, MacKillop, Mercedes, Bunbury Christian Grammar and John XXIII
The Div 2 Girls competition included St Brigids, St Mark’s, St Georges, Sacred Heart, Guildford Grammar
Buchanan Cup - Secondary Champion Schools Hockey – SSWA
Schools competing for the Buchanan Cup were Como, Shenton, Bob Hawke, Churchlands, John Curtin, Kennedy Baptist, NArrogin and SSWA.
Ross Meadow Sheild and David Bell Cup - Secondary Champion Schools Hockey – SSWA
Schools compeiting for the Ross Meadow Sheild and David Bell Cup were Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, Como, Narrogin, Shenton, Kolbe Catholic College, Parkerville Steiner College and Sacred Heart College.
HEALTHWAY - Hockey WA Healthy Canteen Program
Become a Healthy Canteen in 2026 Hockey WA clubs and associations are invited to take part in the Healthy Canteen Program for the 2026 season, supporting healthier food and drink choices for players, families, and volunteers
Delivered in partnership with Healthway and Fuel to Go & Play, the program provides up to $2,500 in funding to help clubs improve their canteen environment, making it easier to offer, promote and choose healthier options
Becoming a Healthy Canteen is practical and achievable. Clubs are supported to:
Complete free online canteen training
Increase healthy “green” food and drink options
Improve product placement and displays
Promote water and healthy meal deals
Reduce unhealthy food and drink marketing
All Hockey WA clubs and associations are eligible to apply, subject to Healthway sponsorship requirements
Together, we can create healthier hockey environments that support junior performance, wellbeing, and lifelong healthy habits.
Interested? Contact Shayley McGurk Davy at shayley mcgurkdavy@hockeywa org au to find out more
WHISTLE WATCH
Hockey WA’s commitment to strengthening officiating across the state has continued throughout 2026, with a strong focus on regional engagement, education, and talent development
A series of regional umpire courses have seen excellent participation, highlighted by the Southwest Junior Carnival in Bunbury The Umpire Course on 29 May attracted 46 attendees, followed by Umpire Coaching sessions across 30–31 May involving 40 participants This momentum continued with a Regional Development Day in Avon & East Avon on 13 June, welcoming 26 attendees and further supporting grassroots umpiring pathways
At a club level, development has also been prioritised, with a hub briefing at Lemnos Field hosted by Lions on 23 June bringing together 10 umpires from Lions, Wolves, and YMCC to share knowledge and build consistency across officiating groups.
The Hockey WA Rising Stars Umpire Academy continues to be a key driver of future talent, with 12 new umpires introduced in 2026 alongside 14 returning participants This program is playing a vital role in nurturing the next generation of officials and creating clear pathways for continued progression
These efforts are translating into strong state representation on the national stage For the 2026 Under 18 National Championships in Darwin, Western Australia will be represented by three umpires and one Assistant Tournament Director Additionally, the recently selected Under 14 National Championships panel includes four WA umpires, with a further four named as reserves a fantastic reflection of the depth and quality of officiating talent being developed.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate a clear commitment to growing, supporting, and recognising umpires at all levels, ensuring a strong future for officiating across Western Australia
Local Sporting Stars Volunteer Recognition Program
The program celebrates the vital role volunteers play in keeping community sport thriving across the State
https://www sportwest com au/volunteer-recognition-program/
Resources
Resources for Pride Month
Blog post: Excusing Homophobia Is Why Male Players Still Don’t Come Out
eLearning course: Creating an LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Club
Online scenario activity: Responding to LGBTIQA+ scenarios in community sport
Resource: Top tips for inclusion of trans and gender diverse people in sports
Livestreaming in community sport
Guidance on the benefits and risks for community clubs and associations.
https://www playbytherules net au/common-issues/livestreaming-community-sport? utm source=aweber&utm medium=email&utm campaign=tips-on-safe-livestreaming
What continues to stand out is the genuine care and effort that sits behind our game at every level. We acknowledge and sincerely thank our club executives, volunteers, coaches, and officials who give so much of their time and energy to create welcoming, safe and positive environments for our players
We remain committed to supporting our people and our clubs, knowing that strong, connected communities are what sustain and grow the game By continuing to invest in capability, relationships, and shared experiences, we can build a hockey landscape across WA that people want to be part. From MiniStix to Thundersticks - the journey starts here
Closing Message
