By Sean O’Connell

Horsham Hockey Club is hoping to attract new players of all ages and abilities to the sport, with a host of events beginning this week.

Junior co-ordinator Launa Schilling said the club, in conjunction with Hockey Victoria, was spending the week visiting Horsham primary schools to promote the sport to students. 

“The roadshows are to help promote hockey because it’s probably little-known compared with football and netball in the area,” she said.

“School visits are a good way to see 600 kids, which is a fantastic opportunity if we can entice some of them to take the next step.

“Hockey Victoria supplies a coach for the roadshow and so does a local club, so they have a link to our clubs.”

Schilling said a four-week social hockey program would start tonight at Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College middle school outdoor courts, and was open to all ages and abilities. 

“For children in high school, this is a great opportunity to have a bit of a taster,” she said.

“We haven’t had social hockey at our club for a while and we are really trying to build up our membership and to get people involved.”

Schilling said social games would be played with five players on each team on a smaller field. 

She said the club was hosting a come-and-try and registration day on Sunday at Horsham College Community Oval from 11am for people interested in taking up the sport.

“It’s an opportunity to find out about how it works from people already at the club, register and there will be some skills stations set up as well,” Schilling said. 

“It’s for kids and parents, we are always encouraging parents to have a try.”

Schilling said five Hookin2Hockey sessions aimed at under-12s would follow, with the first on February 27, from 5pm to 5.50pm at Horsham College Community Oval. 

“Any beginners can come to those sessions, but they must be registered,” she said. 

“It gives them a real base of what hockey is about, builds their skills and gives them confidence.

“Children who have played before come back at the end of term one to start warming up for the season.”

Schilling said the 15-week winter hockey season would start mid-April, with players welcome in under-12s, under-16s as well as men’s and women’s teams.

She said equipment could be supplied, with beginners welcome and different options available for registration, including a package for those only wanting to commit to four or five games. 

She said seven Horsham Hockey Club juniors were recently selected for a North West Lightning Academy program, including Tom Batchelor, Annabelle Heal, Hannah Mackereth, Jack Di Pietro, James Mackereth, Audrey Jochinke and Holly Di Pietro. Paul Mackereth was selected as a coach. 

People wanting more information about upcoming events can visit Horsham Hockey Club Australia Facebook group or website revolutionise.com.au/horshamhc/home

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