JUNIOR hockey is experiencing a growth spurt as Geelong’s biggest club prepares for the 2013 season.
Newtown Hockey Club’s Claire Barnes said numbers in the under-6 joeys and under-8 minkey competitions had increased markedly in the past two years.
She said Newtown fielded 18 teams from among its 260 members, with the littlies playing on a grass pitch at King Lloyd Reserve.
“They spend most of the time having fun and learning the basic skills. They don’t really play matches as such,” Ms Barnes said.
The teenage and senior team play at Stead Park, recently awarded $650,000 in State Government funding for a second synthetic hockey pitch.
“The second pitch at Stead Park will make it easier for teams to play. We have new clubs in Torquay and Golden Plains around Bannockburn coming along.
“Playing on a good surface is an incentive to improve skills and it creates a reputation for hockey as well as a pathway for people.
“Our representative teams play at a good level in Melbourne in the Hockey Victoria competition.”
Ms Barnes said perceptions that hockey was a dangerous sport had eased in comparison with worries of serious injuries in other sports, including the concussion debate surrounding Aussie Rules.
“Hockey is non-contact, so people are thinking that maybe it’s safer than other sports,” she said.
“Players always wear the appropriate protective gear like mouthguards and shin pads.”
Ms Barnes said the club’s season launch, from 10am to 1pm on 14 April at King Lloyd Reserve, Windsor Rd, Newtown, would feature opportunities to try hockey as well as a jumping castle and face-painting.
Ms Barnes said anyone wanting more information could phone her on 0417 015 130 or email abarnes@pipeline.com.au.
