More than 5000 players and spectators enjoy the Tauranga Hockey Centre on a weekly basis, whether playing in a competitive or social game or watching from the sidelines.
We are nearing the completion of most Round 1 competitions, with teams eagerly contesting semifinals, fighting for final places and trophy honours. Theinaugural Masters Winter Tournament will take place on July 14. It is an exciting opportunity for all players over 35 to play in a 7-a-side tournament.
New players are most welcome, as well as any players who have not picked up a stick in years. Come down and enjoy getting back into the game on our new blue turfs, in a social and fun setting.
At the other end of the age spectrum are our young Funsticks. They are our Year 1 and 2 players who are learning about hockey and having great fun doing it. Anyone can participate and there are a number of different venues that run this programme during the week and on Saturday mornings. So if you would like to give hockey a try, just come along and have fun.
One of the highlights on the calendar is the MiniSticks and KiwiSticks Skills Day next Saturday July 6. This is an annual event where players in their primary school teams get an opportunity to run through five stations measuring different skills and challenge themselves against other players. Everyone receives a certificate and there are a number of individual and team awards, plus a trophy awarded to the most skilful school.
Upskilling of our hockey coaches continues through our exciting Coach Forums. Franki Traini, our Hockey Coach Force Officer, had a great turn out at her recent Coach Forums and invites anyone who would like to learn more about coaching or would like to take up coaching for the first time. Details of the next forums are on our website www.tgahockey.co.nz.
Our representative programme is well under way with the Under-18 girls competing in the National Association tournament in Palmerston North in July. We are currently busy with the Under-15 and Under-13 boys and girls trials, to select the players that will represent Tauranga at national tournaments in October.
Finally, we are looking forward to hosting the Bayleys Midlands Men's and Women's teams against Auckland in the opening weekend of the NHL campaign on August 11.
