The Hockey Australia Foundation exists to provide children from various communities, including First Nations, LGBTQ, people with a disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and women and girls, with the opportunity to get involved in hockey.
As a game with a nationwide appeal that transcends all levels, abilities and ages, engaging in the safe and welcoming environment of hockey has multiple benefits, including developing improved social and cultural connections and increased health, education and well-being outcomes.
The Hockey Australia Foundation utilises Hockey Australia’s national participation program for 5–12-year-olds, Hookin2Hockey, as a vehicle to engage children in the game.
In 2024, the Hockey Australia Foundation focused on delivering 6-week Hookin2Hockey programs for children in remote, regional and First Nations communities. The aim of this is to:
- Improve the health and wellbeing of children by encouraging them to become more physically active through hockey
- Enhance and improve physical education programs in primary schools through face-to-face programs and events and by providing hockey equipment and coaching resources.
The Hockey Australia Foundation also supports Clubs in regional communities to become an official Hookin2Hockey provider, joining the many official providers already across the country to ensure the ongoing delivery of the program.
It works closely with other state Hockey Associations to organise and run events and carnivals to engage and connect multiple schools and teams in the region.