GIPPSLAND hockey associations and clubs got together recently for the first regional hockey meeting and set a synthetic field high among its future priorities.
Issues covered at the meeting included coaching, umpiring and representative teams. However, the issue that received most discussion was the need for a synthetic hockey facility in Gippsland.
“Gippsland is the only area in Victoria that does not have one of these grounds,” explained Pauline Mackinnon, president of the Baw Baw Hockey Club, which is based in Warragul and competes in Hockey Victoria’s metropolitan league.
All the grounds in Melbourne are synthetic turf, which has been the standard for competition hockey for more than 10 years.
Gippsland has been greatly disadvantaged in fielding representative teams because skills differ to those of playing on grass. Players in all other rural regions in Victoria have access to at least one of these kinds of fields.
Terry Killen, president of LaTrobe Junior Hockey Association, said: “It’s time we had our own facility in Gippsland.
“We do have a number of young people in Gippsland who are making regional and State Representative teams but they have to travel hours each week to attend selection trials, training and matches, in Melbourne.”
The meeting agreed a synthetic ground was a priority and agreed to begin a regional feasibility study.
Baw Baw Council has agreed it would go to the Gippsland regional forum of local government and put forward the proposal for the Gippsland Local Government Network to support a Gippsland councils’ submission to Sports and Recreation Victoria for funding for a feasibility study into the development of a regional artificial hockey field that the State Government would halffund, the remaining amount being shared between Gippsland shires.
There was representation from LaTrobe Valley Junior Hockey Association, LaTrobe Women’s Hockey Association, West Gippsland Hockey Association, Baw Baw Hockey Club, South Gippsland and East Gippsland Hockey Association.
Jenny Miles, president of West Gippsland Hockey Association, said: “Hockey is a great sport. It’s a real family game. It’s the only sport where mums, dads, teenagers and smaller kids can all play for the same club. It’s a fast game and it’s a great way to stay fit.”
To try hockey or join a club, contact the local municipal sports officer for information.
