Project 1,200 under way to boost Geelong hockey

Newtown City Hockey Club players Chelsea O'Loan and Jack Francis playing in the under 12s grand final at Stead Park, Corio. Photo: SUPPLIED

THE Geelong Hockey Association is aiming to attract another 500 players to the sport to boost its ranks in the coming years.

The association launched Project 1,200 to local clubs last week, with the goal of improving playing numbers from 700 to 1,200.

Geelong Hockey Association president Graeme Dent said all ideas were on the table to boost playing numbers, whether its corporate competitions days or seven-side mid-week tournaments.

“There’s a lot of goodwill amongst the clubs to boost our numbers to pre-COVID levels.

“We have lots of kids playing in the same clubs as their parents and sometimes, on the same team.

“It’s a great way for kids to make new friends outside of school.”

Newtown City Hockey Club players Chelsea O’Loan and Jack Francis playing in the under 12s grand final at Stead Park, Corio. Photo: SUPPLIED

The project comes amidst redevelopments at Stead Park in Corio being set to get underway next year, and a new hockey pitch planned for Torquay.

Torquay Hockey Club has been working closely with the Surf Coast Shire Council and state government to create the new home for hockey at Banyul-Warri Fields.

Local teams are hopeful of playing games and training at the facility by 2026.

“It will be great for Torquay, the surrounding areas and the growth suburbs of Armstrong Creek,” club strategic development lead Andrew Crowley said.

“They will have a world-class hockey pitch at their doorstep.”

To join a local hockey club and to learn more, head to hockeygeelong.asn.au