Fortescue continue Hockey Australia partnership

Longtime Partner Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) has extended its sponsorship of Hockey Australia and flagship national teams until mid-2023.

Fortescue, an ASX Top 20 company, is a Major Partner of the world number one ranked Kookaburras and Supporting Partner of the Hockeyroos who are currently ranked third.

The renewed agreement also ensures the continuation and revamp of the highly successful Fortescue Pilbara Community Hockey Program.

Over the next two years, 10 Pilbara Community Hockey Clinics will be established, providing students in the Pilbara with the opportunity to engage in hockey and develop life skills, while encouraging increased school participation.

“Fortescue’s support over the past decade has seen the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos continually feature among the best hockey teams in the world and be regarded as two of Australia’s most successful and highly ranked national teams,” said Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles.

“Commencing as part of a common goal to generate tangible benefits for Australian communities, our partnership has also enabled us to grow the Pilbara Community Hockey Program from one primary school in Roebourne to ten across the entire region.

“We are incredibly pleased to continue our relationship with Fortescue for another two years and thank them for the integral contribution they make to hockey in Australia.”

Fortescue Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Gaines said, “The Fortescue Pilbara Community Hockey Program plays an important role in ensuring the communities in which we operate benefit from our success, improving social and educational outcomes for students living in these remote regions.

“Not only is hockey one of Australia’s most successful sports, it is also one of the most gender equal sports globally. In line with our commitment to diversity, Fortescue is proud that our sponsorship continues to contribute to pay parity for male and female athletes in Australia’s national teams.”

A new element of the partnership will see more engagement of the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos athletes with Fortescue to further build on the Company’s highly regarded culture and ‘never, ever give up’ attitude. This will also aid the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos in their ongoing ambition to be the world’s best.