Heroes of Hockey I Anita Scott

Anita Scott is President of one of the South West’s strongest hockey clubs. Strong in skill, achievement, and more like a family than a sporting association. She is the head of the table, whilst also playing in the top grade, coaching A2 and A3 women’s teams together, as well as the two 9/12 girls’ teams. Her love for hockey began at a young age, and still grows to this day.

“I started playing hockey when I was six-years-old and I remember being bundled into the car early Saturday morning with my three sisters to play at Hay Park, Bunbury. 

We wore this lovely mission brown skirt uniform, and I had a wooden stick.

My shoes had sprigs on them like football boots to play on the grass, so I didn’t slip over.

My Mum and her friends all played hockey so we all just followed, and all of the kids played as well in the junior team.

In my junior years all I remember was having fun playing on the grass fields with all my friends from school.

In high school hockey was part of our school program so I got to enjoy winter carnivals and playing against those from other schools which was great.

Around 1990 a new experience came when our regional area got its first artificial surface in a sand turf - yep lots of Dettol and Band-Aids!  

This totally changed the game of hockey from game plans, skill techniques, fitness and structure.

My involvement with Boyanup came about back in 1994 as the club at the time only had three men’s teams, but there were wives, partners, sisters and girlfriends of the men that played.

So together with a great group of ladies and by joining with another women’s club - Leschenault Raiders - we were able to form three women’s teams which we still have competing today.

This development of the club also allowed for our junior base to grow, and the club now had a pathway from Juniors to Seniors - ensuring our club remained strong.

I’ve always been committed to sport and enjoyed giving back to the club where over the years I’ve been Secretary, Treasurer, Committee Member and very honoured to have been awarded Life Membership.

I love what the club has been able to provide to the players whilst being strong and competitive.

I enjoy those moments when our players have success either in premierships or by way of individual recognition in playing higher level hockey or making state/national teams and that the club has been part of that players development.

The club is like one big family and the friendships formed by being part of the club remain with you through the years and are priceless.

Hockey is one of those sports that’s been around forever, especially in the regional areas and it includes all members of the family.

Most times if you’ve played hockey as a kid, you’ll continue to play it in your later years up to 65s/70s.

Even grandparents who used to play come down to watch their grandchildren play, it’s a great sport to include everyone.

The WA hockey community is so unique due to the talent that is involved in all areas, from the administrators, umpires, coaching resources to the players.

Some of the talented players playing in the Perth competition have developed from the regional areas and when you add this to the local talent plus import players, Hockeyroos and Kookaburras it creates a great spectacle for people to watch!”