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News for 19 December 2014

All the news for Friday 19 December 2014


New Zealand delighted to host Oceania Cup



Hockey New Zealand is thrilled to have won the rights to host the 2015 Oceania Cup, following the Oceania Hockey Federation announcement.

Scheduled for October next year, the Oceania Cup is a men’s and women’s Olympic Qualifying tournament with the winner gaining automatic entry to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The event will be held at the TET Multisports Centre in Stratford, Taranaki, which was the same venue as the 2013 Oceania Cup.

“We are absolutely stoked to have won this event again. Obviously the good work that we did last time and the way our local people looked after the teams paid off – many of the team liaisons are still in touch with the Island nations who attended,” said Taranaki Hockey chairperson Alistair Thomas. 

Thomas said that he hopes the event will attract more people to the sport and help grow their current player base. For the 2013 Oceania Cup, there were 5,600 spectators, 26,000 unique views via the Hockey New Zealand livestream, a total of $1.1m was brought into the Taranaki economy and the number of registered players in the region increased by approximately 20 percent.

“To bring any international sport to Taranaki is phenomenal. We all watch hockey on television but to get up close and watch it live is fantastic and people who don’t know the sport, come along and suddenly realise what an incredibly exciting game it is,” said Thomas. 

“There is one thing we know and that is people love seeing the Black Sticks here. It’s really a big thanks to Hockey New Zealand and TET [Taranaki Electricity Trust] for their support in making this a reality.”

Although participating teams are still to be confirmed, Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Vanuatu are all invited to attend.

Oceania Hockey Federation commented that they were delighted with the calibre of the bids received from both Hockey Australia and Hockey New Zealand. 

“Having hosted the 2013 Oceania Cup in Stratford, we know we can create an event that fans, players, officials and partners will love to be part of,” said Hockey New Zealand chief executive Malcolm Harris.

“The support we have had from the Taranaki community has once again been overwhelming and I know they cannot wait to have Oceania’s best hockey nations back in the region,” said Harris.

The Black Sticks Men and Women will get the chance to qualify for the Olympics prior to the Oceania Cup by finishing in the top three at the FIH World League Semi-Final in June (Men – Buenos Aires, Women – Belgium).

The exact dates is still to be confirmed but it will be between 17-25 October.

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Taranaki to host Oceania Cup hockey tournament in 2015

MURRAY HILLS

   
HIGH STAKES: The winner of both the men's and women's sections at next year's Oceania Cup hockey tournament will gain automatic entry to the Rio Olympics. Getty Images

Stratford will host next year's Oceania Cup hockey tournament.

The 2015 Olympic qualifying tournament will be held in October, with the winner of both the men's and women's sections gaining automatic entry to the Rio Olympics.

It's the second time Stratford has been the venue for the event having hosted it two years ago.

In 2013, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Samoa played in Stratford. All four countries, along with Fiji and Vanuatu, are eligible to enter next year's tournament.

The Oceania Hockey Federation was delighted with the calibre of the bids received from Hockey Australia and Hockey New Zealand to host the event from October 17 to 25.

"We were presented with three high quality options, all of which favoured taking the tournament to regional centres in either Australia or New Zealand," said Pam Elgar, president of the Oceania Hockey Federation.

"The federation is confident that Hockey New Zealand in conjunction with Stratford and the wider Taranaki community have the capacity to present a successful event."

Hockey New Zealand chief executive Malcolm Harris was thrilled to have won the rights to the event.

"Having hosted the 2013 Oceania Cup in Stratford, we know we can create an event that fans, players, officials and partners will love to be part of," he said.

"The support we have had from the Taranaki community has once again been overwhelming and I know they cannot wait to have Oceania's best hockey nations back in the region."

Stuff



Taranaki Hockey organising Hockey 5’s Tournament



Have you heard about Taranaki Hockey’s exiting new tournament The Taranaki Lighting 5’s?  It’s happening in March 2015 so get some mates together and get along.

The tournament is modelled off the Fast 5’s concept seen at the Nanjing Youth Olympics earlier this year – four field players, one goalie, half field, no outs and shots from anywhere!

Separate men’s and women’s competitions will run alongside each other over the weekend of the 6th (evening), 7th and 8th of March.  The two competitions will be structured like the Rugby 7’s where, after initial pool play, teams will then play off for a trophy and medals in their respective tiers.

As well as some great hockey there will be loads of off-field entertainment and activities including music, fun competitions for quality spot prizes and some great food and drink.  This fun, social weekend away will be held at the world class TET Multisport facility in Stratford where the Oceania Cup was held in 2013 and Black Sticks Women played USA in 2014.

Taranaki Hockey's Brooke Wyllie, says spaces are filling fast with teams of friends or from clubs, from as far as Wellington and Auckland attending.

"These teams consist of a huge range of abilities including ex international and current Ford NHL players as well as competitive and social club players," said Wyllie.

Four of the teams already signed up, are from Central Hockey' Under-21 programme. Central’s high performance manager Greg Nicol believes to run a Hockey 5’s tournament in the pre-season, helps develop New Zealand's attacking style of play.

“It's definitely the way to go, I think it’s an ideal launch pad for Centrals Under-21 programme - it is a perfect way to develop fitness and individual skills,” said Nicol.

To support those who are keen to enter, Taranaki Hockey has extended their Early Bird Special of a $50 discount till the 5 January. So if you are keen to try your hand at this exciting new form of hockey check out Taranaki Lighting 5’s on Facebook or contact Brooke Wyllie on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Champs Butali eye African glory

By AYUMBA AYODI


Butali Sugar players celebrate at City Park after winning the Premier League on December 7. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU  NATION MEDIA GROUP

National men’s hockey Premier League champions Butali Sugar Warriors are not only focused on defending their title next year but also becoming the first Kenyan club to win men’s continental crown since 1998.

Head coach Cliff Okello indicated that they will recruit at least two utility players for the coming season with former Strathmore centre half/forward Seth Oburu already on their radar.

Okello said even though they have enough arsenal in their armoury for next season, they can’t afford to be too comfortable. “We can’t afford the luxury of being complacent hence we are looking at engaging two utility players,” said Okello.

“We shall be on for a long season with the title defense and Africa Club Championships and must have more players on board.”

No Kenyan club has lifted the Africa Club Cup Championships title since the defunct Kenya Armed Forces team won in 1998.

SPONSORSHIP

Okello said Butali Sugar Warriors formerly Kisumu Simba managed to win the title owing to several factors including the new sponsorship from Butali Sugar, signing of three new players, the vital contribution of experienced players like Zack Aura, discipline and dedication.

Okello explained that the sponsorship from Butali Sugar ensured that there was consistency in training with ample movement of players from Nairobi and Kisumu.

“Initially, we had a problem having a full training sessions of our players who are based in Nairobi and Kisumu but the sponsorship eased the movement,” said Okello.

Unlike the previous years, team skipper Ken Nyongesa said their training sessions increased from two to four times weekly with the availability of the facilities at City Park proving vital.

Daily Nation



EG lead way in English indoor league

East Grinstead stayed on track to defend their England Hockey 5s Championship title with another pair of convincing wins at day two of the indoor Premier Division at St George’s Park in Burton on Trent last Sunday.

The Sussex side cruised past Team Bath Buccaneers 7-1 in their opening match on Sunday, and then beat Reading 5-2 later in the day to ensure they remain the only team with a 100 per cent record so far.

Mark Pearn scored two against Bath, while the others came from captain Niall Stott, Andy Piper, Andy Bull, Richie Dawson-Smith and Ross Stott.

Against Reading Simon Faulkner bagged a brace, with their others coming from Niall and Ross Stott and Mark Pearn.

Sevenoaks moved up to third as they were the only other team to win both their matches on day two, winning 5-4 over Beeston and 6-4 against Canterbury.

Captain Chris Barker and Dominic Bowden both scored twice against Beeston, while George Torry added the other. And against Canterbury Mike Holland scored two, with the others coming from Owain Dolan-Gray, Chris Barker, Torry and Nick Barker.

Despite the loss to Sevenoaks Canterbury held on to second place after having beaten Surbiton 5-1 earlier in the day. Wei Adams scored twice, with others coming from Liam Foster, Ben Allberry and Harry Jawanda.

Reading beat Holcombe 4-2 to secure their first win of the campaign, but it was a sorry day for Holcombe who lost out 7-8 to Bowdon and are bottom of the table.

The Premier Division resumes on January 3-4 2015 at the same venue, while Division One starts on January 10-11 at the University of West England.

Euro Hockey League media release



FIH guilty of huge oversight as Luciana Aymar’s retirement tinged with controversy

By Rod Gilmour


Long goodbye: Luciana Aymar was lauded by adoring Argentina public after her final game Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Does the Champions Trophy format work?

There were no qualms in the women’s event, but then the top four sides in the world had little trouble reaching the semi-final. The men’s event was a different proposition. The top four sides in the Pool stages failed to reach the last four after losing their quarter-final matches. In the end, the team that won the tournament – Germany – finished with a goal difference of 0. Runners-up Pakistan ended with -9, Australia + 3, and, in fourth, India with -2. Three teams out of four finishing with a minus goal difference suggests that the quarter-final format must be done away with.

England’s swashbuckling open play

The England team’s themed hotel was described as a “cross between Indiana Jones and the Crystal Maze” and could have been used to sum up their tournament. For they experienced both the swashbuckling and the mystifying, in a format that hardly helped Bobby Crutchley’s side. Despite finishing in seventh, they had a clinical start to the tournament after wins over Australia and Pakistan, but were beaten by Germany in the last eight. Still, Crutchley would have been enthused by his side’s display from open play. In their 8-2 drubbing of Pakistan, they scored one penalty corner and mustered seven field goals – all from different players. A very Australian trait.

Speaking of Australia, Ric Charlesworth, the former coach who ended his illustrious career after delivering success for the Kookaburras at the World Cup, says England need a “little bit extra” to take their game to the next step. England are playing to their world ranking of five, having finished fourth at the World Cup and seventh at the Champions Trophy, and Charlesworth, highlighting the fact that midfielder Harry Martin was missing due to injury, said: “England have to add something to Ashley Jackson, [Barry] Middleton and [George] Pinner. Nick Catlin is pretty good, they have solid defenders, but they need something to take it to the next step. They always compete, but to consistently threaten in the major tournaments, they need more quality and are perhaps two players short of a great side. Perhaps Bobby Crutchley would agree.”

Aymar’s last post an Australian moot point

When Luciana Aymar took her last shot in world hockey, little did she know that it would be a controversial one. With the final locked at 1-1, the game went to a shoot out and the great Argentine stepped up, dribbled into the circle and rifled her shot past the Australian goalkeeper. It rattled the post, angled across the line and came off the other post. The goal was given, Australia reviewed it and the decision went upstairs. Moments later the goal stood, Aymar wasn’t to be denied. But this wasn’t a testimonial match for Aymar (who was afforded a hero’s send off after lifting the trophy), this was a major hockey final and a mammoth oversight at a crucial juncture. Seeking clarification on the matter, the FIH told Telegraph Sport: “We can confirm that the referral concerning whether the first Argentina shoot out was a goal or not was a mistake by the video umpire. The ball clearly did not cross the line. This was, regrettably, a human error.” The FIH added that “this example will doubtless form part of the clips that are reviewed and discussed by our video umpires for our 2015 FIH tournaments.” Hardly music to Australia’s ears.

Movement in Mendoza

England’s fifth place finish in the women’s Champions Trophy had several moments to savour. When Alex Danson was forced to sit out the tournament after her concussion knock in the opening game, there were some pleasing performances by England’s forward lines. Ellie Watton came of age with her two goals, Sophie Bray and Lily Owsley were ever-dangerous, the latter showing some audacious stick skills, while Shona McCallin looked far from showing debutant nerves. For all this endeavour, old habits did resurface: namely leaking five goals in the last 10 minutes in three of their games. One for England Hockey’s new psychologist to mull over when she starts her role in the New Year.

No more grilling

Charlesworth also weighed in on hockey’s safety debate. His views have been well documented in recent years, not least with the penalty corner, which he calls the “scary side of the game”. To any parent watching, he added, they should be thinking “do I really want my kids facing that? I’m not sure it sells the game too well.” The rule governing the wearing of facemasks and, importantly, metal grill masks – implemented for the first time at the men’s Champions Trophy – is long overdue.

The Telegraph



Twitter makes a good impression

Social media is the number one way for fans and players to interact, as millions proved at the Champions Trophy


Players engaging with fans in Mendoza (Photo: FIH/Rodrigo Jamarilo)

With 6.8 million impressions over the course of the Champions Trophy, Twitter has emerged as the number one way for fans to engage with hockey players and coaches, and both the 2014 men's and women's editions of the Champions Trophy saw our international sports stars tweeting their way through the competition.

Offering a snap-shot of life as an international hockey player, Twitter is also a fantastic way for players to share their thoughts, their humour, their frustrations, their happiness and their emotions with friends, family and fans. Here are some of the Twitter comments that were bouncing around during the Champions Trophy events in Mendoza and Bhubaneswar.

Sharing the love with India's star goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was teammate Rupinder Singh Pal: "Congratulations to our great wall of India @16Sreejesh on winning Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. Proud of u darling."

Meanwhile, Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens was delighted with the standard of competition in Mendoza: "The quality of hockey at the Champions Trophy has been immense. Great inspiration for all hockey fans and coaches, loved every minute of it."

One of the highlights of the men's competition was the return of Pakistan to the top level of hockey. The Green Sticks won silver, their best finish since 1998 – just losing out to the German team in the the final. Enthusiasm for the sport among the Pakistan fans is definitely on the up as Pakistan Hockey tweeted: "There is a huge demand for the hockey kit/shirt. Let's revive Pakistan hockey. It's so good to see both Pakistan and India hockey teams making a comeback at the highest level."

A more downbeat tweet was posted by Belgium's new coach Jerome Delmee. The Red Lions came to Bhubaneswar with high hopes of a top place finish, but ended up at the bottom of the table "Every match we have become better. We created more chances than our opponents, but we should have scored earlier. You do not win games with statistics."

Another coach who must have expected better of his team was the coach of the German women's team, Jamilon Mulders. But despite the disappointment of a seventh place finish, Mulders tweeted this upbeat message: "To develop a team you need time, passion and content. Decisions must be made by the players. #noego #hardworkpaysoff"

Lily Owsley is one of England's rising stars and she proved she knew what it takes to win when she tweeted: "Sometimes its pretty, sometimes its ugly, but a wins a win. Bring on the final game." Her words proved prescient as England beat aside a challenge from China to take fifth spot.

After a showing of clips from the forthcoming documentary of her life, Luciana Aymar was a little red-faced when she was shown hanging on the outside of a minibus with her colleagues, shaking the vehicle from side to side as they celebrated a win. "That needs to be edited," she said with a smile to the filmmaker. But her tweet to her colleagues was both poignant and heartfelt when she thanked them for the part they had played in making her retirement so special.

Speaking about the bronze statue of a female hockey player that is the Champions Trophy, coach to Las Leonas, Santiago Capurro, cheekily tweeted: "In the past six Champions Trophies, we have won five. She ( the statue) seems to like staying in Argentina."

And Mo Fuerste could barely suppress his excitement before the semi-final encounter against the Kookaburras: "Its game day in India. Semifinal vs @Kookaburras. Even live on television in Germany. Loooove knockout games."

Not every memorable comment from the Champions Trophy was posted via Twitter. Australia's manager and former Hockeyroo star Katie Starre was overheard telling a story about a stray dog that had adopted the Australian team as the players went for a run every morning. "Every time Mr Man (the dog) crosses the road, I hold my breath, because if the dog got squashed before a game that would not be a good omen."

FIH site



Pakistan hockey needs government support

Mohammad Yaqoob

In Bhubaneswar, Pakistan rose from the ashes. From absolutely nowhere Mohammad Imran’s beleaguered men — showing flashes of brilliance — made it to the all-important final. Earlier this year, they fared impressively in the Asian Games too grabbing silver medal.

Therefore, one strongly feels now it is the time, both for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the government, to play their due role with sincerity aimed at bringing back our lost glory in world hockey.

First, as defending champions, Pakistan met India in the Asian Games final in Incheon, South Korea in September. Though Pakistan lost the tightly-contested decider in shootout, the green-shirts did stretch their Indian opponents to the fullest. Not to forget the PHF had not been able to provide the players with proper preparation owing to financial constraints.

And now, a low-profile Pakistan outfit again surprised many by making it to the eight-nation Champions Trophy final in Bhubaneswar, India. The progress must have been a pleasant surprise even for head coach Shahnaz Sheikh, who had not expected silver-medal finish at the podium by Mohammad Imran and company.

In the process, Pakistan earned a historic-cum-thrilling triumph against traditional rivals India in the semi-final. The victory also gave new life to otherwise wilting Pakistan hockey.

It is no end of contests, however. Pakistan will face many more such challenges in future, especially from India, both in hockey and cricket as both the countries hold international standing in these two sports.

India in recent years has taken giant leap in promoting its sports, injecting heaps of money into cricket, hockey, badminton, tennis, football and kabaddi. They have started staging international leagues attracting world-class players. No doubt, all this will help India raise itself in international sports in the time to come.

Contrarily, the situation in Pakistan is exactly the opposite as the government here it seems lacks the required level of interest to involve the nation in sporting activities.

When Pakistan hockey team recorded stunning-cum-inspiring wins against Holland and India in Bhubaneswar, the entire nation got united in jubilation — a clear sign of patriotic spirit among the masses amid several crises that have struck them over the years.

Sealing top-class wins against the high-flying Netherlands (4-2) and then hosts India (4-3) in the quarter-final and semi-final respectively after staying winless in the pool phase was no ordinary comeback. Pool stage losses to Belgium (1-2), England (2-8) and Australia (0-3) were indeed demoralising, yet Imran and his brigade made a significant return, thanks partly to the soft format of the once toughest competition in the sport.

As regards the moral aspect, what happened moments after Pakistan’s victory over India in the high-octane clash could have certainly been avoided by the visiting team management’s timely intervention in controlling some of their players from celebrating the victory objectionably.

Being ambassadors of a country like Pakistan where social norms are accorded high esteem, the players — even if a section of the 7,000-strong Indian crowd had stooped too much in their behaviour — were duly expected to show restraint.

One hopes the sourness over the unwelcome incident at the Kalinga Stadium developed between the PHF and Hockey India is temporary and all would get back to normal soon.

As regards on-field show, now we have to look forward as more Pakistan-India clashes are to take place in cricket and hockey. And needless to say, the government following rationale should chalk out a proper and timely programme to promote sports for meeting this challenge.

One reckons the way Pakistan team went to India was no less than extremely embarrassing as the PHF did not have enough in its kitty to finance the high-profile visit.

A businessmen helped the PHF send the national squad to India as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, also the patron-in-chief of the federation, had twice cancelled his meetings with the team to award them prizes for winning silver medal in the Asian Games.

The prime minister, like a true sports lover, which he is, should take the miserable condition of sports seriously.

First of all, he should know what the budget of Pakistan for sports is.

One believes, the prime minister will not believe when he will know the sports budget is around Rs800 million — equal to the expenditure of some foreign trips of the premier.

Over the last two years, both the political government of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the PML-N played a negative role just to destroy the sports by engaging itself in unnecessary fights against the International Olympic Committee over national sports policy.

Although common sense prevailed and the PML-N government saved Pakistan from the IOC ban by taking a U-turn, it is high time to repair the damages.

The PHF and other sports federations should be allocated sufficient funds with strict audits of their accounts to maintain transparency.

The role of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has also been negative in the past as it failed to guide the government the true position over the IOC issue. Many people with vested interests earned money through the national exchequer on this fight against the IOC.

Every government knows better how a sporting victory of any Pakistan team unites the entire nation but ironically, every government had shown reluctance in cashing in on this factor.

Instead of spending money on the right ways to promote sports, various provincial governments have spent money lavishly on the so-called youth festivals, which in the end served nothing for the national cause.

It is a fact that no government, be it of the US, UK or Russia, has been able to dictate their terms to international sports bodies like IOC and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) so it would be better for Pakistan to follow the world instead of going against them.

Dawn



Scottish Hockey 2014 Award Winners


2014 Women's Player of the Year - Cat Ralph

The 2014 Scottish Hockey Award Winners have been receiving their awards over the past week after an incredible year.

Following open public nominations for several of the categories, an awards committee along with an official and coaches committee helped make the tough decision for 2014 awards.

Recent retiree Cat Ralph is honoured to receive such a great award after an amazing year; ‘I never thought I would ever get the chance to be a full time athlete and this year I got to be a full time hockey player for 4 months which was amazing.

'Receiving this award has really topped off the most incredible year. From winning the play offs domestically with Milne Craig Clydesdale Western, receiving my 150th cap at Glasgow Green in the Champions Challenge and finishing off my international career in front of an amazing crowd at our home Commonwealth Games. 2014 really has been an unforgettable year.'

‘I now look forward to watching the next 'batch' of talented players come through and I hope that they will gain as many special memories as I’ve been fortunate to have had.’

Western Wildcats player Gavin Sommerville has been awarded the men’s player of the year; ‘I am absolutely delighted to have been recognised for this award. Also being a keeper, it is even better to receive this! I couldn't have achieved what I have with out all the support from my friends, family, work and team mates.'



Despite missing out on a Team Scotland spot for Glasgow 2014 Sommerville has only positives from his experience of training part time with the Scotland squad. ‘It was an absolute honour to be playing for Scotland against top international sides. It was a great experience that I won’t forget.’



Kelburne player Jack McKenzie, who debuted playing in the European Hockey League this season with the Paisley outfit was awarded the mens young player of year over the weekend.



Umpire Sarah Wilson has had an incredible year, umpiring the bronze medal match at Glasgow 2014 then umpiring the final in the womens FIH Champions Trophy in Argentina earlier this month.

2014 Youth Team Coach of the Year

Tomas Barton - For work with Inverleith juniors (plays himself at Edinburgh Uni)

2014 Grassroots Coach of the Year

Brian Clark - For work with Clydesdale and St Fillans PS

2014 Coach of the Year – Men’s Team

Keith Joss - Hillhead Men's

2014 Coach of the Year – Women’ Team

Sam Judge - Edinburgh Uni Women

2014 Coach of the Year

Jamie Carnegie - For work with St Andrew's Uni (plays at Grove Menzieshill)

2014 Umpire of the Year - Women

Sarah Wilson - Grove Menzieshill

2014 Umpire of the Year - Men

Martin Madden - Clydesdale

2014 Youth Umpire of the Year - Women

Lena McCrae - Clydesdale

2014 Youth Umpire of the Year - Men

Alistair Munro - Edinburgh Uni Men

2014 Volunteer of the Year

Donald Amour - Clydesdale

2014 Young Volunteer of the Year

Michael Gibson - Inverleith

2014 Women's Player of the Year

Cat Ralph - Clydesdale Western

2014 Men's Player of the Year

Gavin Somerville - Western Wildcats

2014 Women's Young Player of the Year

Sarah Robertson - Was Edinburgh Uni now moved down South to train with GB

2014 Men's Young Player of the Year

Jack McKenzie - Kelburne

See full gallery of the award winners here.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Camacho urges players to become match officials

Sean Nero


Defender Jordan Reynos of Queen’s Park Cricket Club, left, accept the Team of the Year Award (Men) from TTHB president Douglas Camacho. Photo: SEAN NERO

Douglas Camacho, president of the T&T Hockey Board (TTHB) says the sport is suffering from a paucity of umpires and he is appealing to his young athletes to help reverse this worrying trend.

Too often, he said, when his executive approached athletes on the issue of educating themselves to become match officials, they almost always shied away from the discussion.

Speaking at the TTHB Annual Awards Ceremony held at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford National Stadium on Sunday, Camacho said while he understood the reluctance of players to take this step citing what they themselves put umpires through when unpopular decisions are made during play, Camacho urged them to reconsider their position and ensure that hockey in T&T was not denied of talent in any aspect.

He lauded the quality of match officials in this country and boasted that the FIH turned to T&T for coaches to conduct training sessions around the world.

“It will be fair to say that a small nation of 1.3 million people and to use a boxing term—are punching above our weight. And not just represent at these bodies by but represent our country with distinction. This year was a gruelling year by T&T standards. We competed in three major tournaments in the space of seven months or less.

We had the Commonwealth Games where we competed in both men and women and we had to earn the right to be there, and we gave a good account of ourselves. We then went to the World League where we won gold and went onto the PanAm Games for silver (men) and the women finished fourth,” he said.

Camacho added, “If we did not have a domestic league that was up to scratch and well, run, well organised and well officiated, the then success we see at international hockey could not happen. I would like to recognise all those who over the last year have made the league in T&T run very smoothly.”

The Trinidad Guardian



Masters Hockey agreement announcement

Masters Hockey to benefit from tri-lateral agreement with Hockey Australia



Masters hockey in Australia is set to benefit from a landmark agreement reached between Hockey Australia, the Australian Women’s Masters Council (AWMC) and the Australian Men’s Masters Hockey Council (AMHC) that will see the creation of a national level Masters Hockey Advisory Panel and a new four year Terms of Reference agreement. 

More than 22,000 people aged over 35 play hockey in Australia and it is one of the sport’s fastest growing forms globally. The new Masters Hockey Advisory Panel will contribute to Hockey Australia’s participation and competition plans and operations, with a focus on both domestic and international hockey as it looks to further increase participation in Masters hockey.

The arrangement aligns Hockey Australia with the International Hockey Federation’s strategy for Masters hockey as presented at the 2014 FIH Congress in Morocco in November.

Cam Vale, Hockey Australia Chief Executive, said, “I want to thank both the women’s and men’s Masters, led by Sue Briggs and Peter Sweeney, and their hard working committees and delegates for embracing this new approach. Masters hockey is a strength of our sport and we intend to continue to build on this strength over the next four years as a united panel through this agreement.”



Paying tribute to the involvement of the state and territory hockey associations throughout the process, Vale added, “The support and leadership of our state and territory associations through their CEOs, who have supported Hockey Australia’s Masters Panel initiative over the last 12 months, is another fine example of our stakeholders aligning as one in the best interest of hockey in Australia.”

Last week it was announced that the 2015 Men’s Masters Australian Championships will be held in Cairns from 26 September until 10 October. The 2015 Women’s Masters Australian Championships will take place in Brisbane from 24 September until 3 October. In 2014, more than 2,000 people took part in the Masters Australian Championships.

Masters play a significant part in all areas of the sport across participation, coaching, officials, umpiring and administration.

Details of the membership of the Hockey Australia Masters Hockey Advisory Panel can be found on the governance page of the Hockey Australia website. Members of this panel will be confirmed early in 2015.

Hockey Australia media release

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