2023 Country Hockey Championships ready to go in Shepparton
Published Fri 04 Aug 2023
The stage is set at the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association as this year’s Hockey Australia Country Championships prepares to get underway in the Victorian city of Shepparton tomorrow.
The Championships were officially launched today with the Captains Call, featuring captains from each of the competing teams.
The Hockey Australia Country Championships sees Australia’s best regional hockey talent on display. Similarly to last year, the 2023 edition will feature a total of 12 men’s and women’s teams. They include teams representing New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and the Australian Defence Force.
Over 200 players plus coaches, support staff and officials will descend on the Shepparton Regional Hockey Complex for the week long tournament.
“For our regional hockey community and legion of players who participate in the sport in these areas, this event on our national calendar is their time in the spotlight,” said Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles.
“Greater Shepparton City Council and the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association have done a wonderful job in readiness for hosting and welcoming the teams for these championships, so it promises to be a fantastic week of competition.”
“The enthusiasm and preparation done by the Council and the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association since taking on the responsibility of hosting the event will provide a fantastic experience for teams and supporters alike.”
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said it was wonderful to be selected to once again host this national event after such a successful championship in 2019.
“Our Sports City precinct has enabled us to host some amazing events such as this one to bring so many people from around Australia to play hockey in Greater Shepparton,” Cr Sali said.
“These events strengthen our reputation as the leading sporting and events capital of regional Australia and keep our local economy strong and businesses thriving.
“We look forward to partnering with Hockey Australia and the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association to deliver a first class event for all of our residents and visitors.”
Queensland will be out to replicate last year’s performance in which they took out the men’s and women’s competitions, as well as the respective men’s and women’s Top Goal Scorers and Players of the Tournament.
Following the tournament, Australian 2023 Country Squads will be announced consisting of Senior Men’s and Women’s squads as well as Under 21 Men’s and Women’s squads.
To be selected in the Australian Country squads, players must be registered with their state, earn selection through their domestic selection process and compete at the national championships.
This year’s event is made possible thanks to Greater Shepparton City Council and the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association.
2023 Hockey Australia Country Championships
5-12 August 2023
Goulburn Valley Hockey Association, Shepparton VIC
Men's match schedule and results
Women's match schedule and results
Official event e-program
Teams – Men
Australian Defence Force
New South Wales
Queensland
South Australia
Victoria
Western Australia
Teams - Women
Australian Defence Force
New South Wales
Queensland
South Australia
Victoria
Western Australia
