Australian Country Hockey Challenge heading to Albany
Published Wed 29 Jun 2022
The best players from Australia’s regional hockey associations will converge on Albany for the 2022 Hockey Australia Country Challenge from 6-13 August.
This popular hockey event, to be held at the headquarters of the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association, will make a long-awaited return after COVID forced its cancellation over the past two years.
“Hockey has a large participation base and a significant following in regional areas right across Australia,” said HA CEO David Pryles.
“Many of these players have been deprived of playing the sport over the last two years, let alone having the opportunity to compete and represent their home states and associations on a national stage.”
“To be able to announce Albany as the host of this year’s event is fantastic for everyone involved. They have a first class facility and I know they are relishing the opportunity to put on a great event and ensure all those who attend have an enjoyable and memorable experience.”
“We thank the City of Albany for their enthusiasm, proactiveness and patience in preparation for holding the Country Challenge.”
Mayor of Albany Dennis Wellington said the City is looking forward to welcoming the 2022 Australian Country Hockey Challenge to Albany.
“We have been looking forward to hosting these championships for the past two years so we are very pleased to be able to finally welcome the teams to our beautiful city,” he said.
“The City’s recent hockey turf upgrade is a fantastic addition to the sporting facilities within the Centennial Park Sporting Precinct.
“This not only brings the Great Southern together but now can host events of national significance like the 2022 Hockey Australia Country Challenge.”
The TigerTurf hockey surface in Albany is regarded as one of the best international hockey pitches in Western Australia.
The Hockey Australia Country Challenge is an annual open age tournament featuring the leading male and female players from regional associations representing their respective states.
The 2022 Challenge will comprise 12 teams (six men’s and six women’s teams) from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Defence Force.
Queensland won the Women’s competition, with New South Wales taking out the Men’s event at the last national Country Challenge held in Shepparton, Victoria in 2019. Now, following a two year break, the other states will be keen to unseat the reigning champions.
This year’s event is made possible thanks to the City of Albany and the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association.
Australian representative teams (Men’s & Women’s) at Under 21 and Senior level are selected from the Country Challenge to participate in an international representative tour. It is planned these teams will again be ‘on tour’ following the Challenge.
