Hockey membership surpasses 90,000

The number of hockey playing members across Australia in 2021 has reached 90,000, an amazing result for the sport considering the effects and impact of COVID.

As of 31 October, 90,884 people in Australia had signed up to play club hockey in 2021. A further 3,389 have participated in a HookIn2Hockey program.

In 2019 the end of year total was 93,998, the second highest participation rate for hockey since 2016.

That makes this year’s current figure all the more notable after the amount of disrupted community sport across all states and territories due to COVID over the past two years.

A third of the 90,884 are new players with 32,749 registering for the first time.

The almost fifty-fifty split between male and female participants also highlights hockey’s reputation as Australia’s most gender equal sport.

Hockey Australia produced and released some dedicated high quality promotional videos throughout the year targeted at various demographics encouraging them to give hockey a go.

The four 30-second videos produced were:
Children’s ad
Women’s ad
My Sport ad
Men’s ad

The videos focussed on the many positive benefits playing hockey can provide. In a time when many people were faced with COVID lockdowns and restrictions, the message of fun, fitness, improving mental health and belonging to a tribe and community were arguably reasons the playing numbers have been strong.

“To reach 96 per cent of the 2019 playing membership figure by the end of October is an incredible achievement,” said Hockey Australia Acting CEO Michael Johnston.

“COVID has impacted so many aspects of people’s lives and caused high levels of uncertainty. To this end, I want to thank everyone who has picked up a hockey stick this year, whether returning or new to the game, and at whatever level or form of hockey they participate in.”

“Just as important are the thousands of coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and support crew who make it possible for people to play hockey.”

“This 90,000 member milestone highlights the passionate hockey community we have in Australia, the keenness of people to get back playing sport again after being deprived of it, and how enjoyable hockey is to play.”

In October alone, 1,217 playing members have registered in the lead up to the summer and indoor competitions which are expected to go ahead in full with the rise in vaccination rates and easing of restrictions.