SHEPPARTON will play host to the Australian Hockey Championships for the first time since 1997, which is expected to see 250 participants and supporters converge on the region.
Running from August 3 to 11, 2019 at the new $21M Shepparton Sports City facility, the event, which was first played as a men’s only competition in 1982, will bring together 12 teams across both genders.
Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier said, “We’re delighted to make this announcement following the conclusion of another successful Australian Country Hockey Championships in Berri.
“It’s remarkable how many of our national Hockeyroos and Kookaburras athletes originate from regional centres, showing that country hockey is the lifeblood of our game.
“Shepparton, like so many regional cities in Australia, has a genuine history with Hockey and we are thrilled to be able to host this event, which brings so many people together, at such a venue.
“The Championships will be eagerly contested as always with selection for Australian representative country teams up for grabs too, so this promises to be a great tournament.”
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe said, “It is wonderful that Greater Shepparton is able to host yet another fabulous national event in our region.
“Events such as these are fantastic to strengthen our reputation as the sporting event capital of regional Australia and keeping the local economy strong and businesses busy.”
Hockey Australia country convenor, Michael Nelson said, “The Australian Country Hockey Championship is the premier representative event for elite country players at which the quality of regional hockey is on display in what is a very exciting and top level competition.
“The championships provide a unique opportunity for our sport to be showcased at a ‘national level’ in a regional location such as Shepparton, which is a highlight for the sport in the region.
“The selection of Australian Country representative teams at the championships is a special feature of the event and acknowledges the skills and endeavour of those representing their respective states.”
