Lions roar into 100-year celebrations

One of Western Australian hockey’s oldest clubs, the Suburban Lions Hockey Club, will reach the 100-year milestone on Friday 20 May, with a deep, rich history of the club to be celebrated by the hundreds of members of the club far and wide. 

The Suburban Lions played their first official match against Fremantle on Saturday 20 May 1922 at the Fremantle Esplanade and for 100 years, have been a stalwart in WA hockey based at Tregonning field – the namesake of its founder and Australia’s first national captain, Don Tregonning. 

The club remains strong with a large member base in 2022 across 33 teams, with the Lions ever prominent in WA’s top-flight league, the Premier League, with their women’s Premier League side remaining at the elite level for several years. 

Megan Bye, the President of the 600-member strong club, says Suburban Lions has been a crucial cog in the surrounding community for its 100-year stint and remains as strong as ever in 2022. 

“We have a community of 600 members here at Lions, with players from age five all the way into their 70s,” Bye says. 

“The club provides a like-minded place for our members where friendships, competition and family come together. 

“What makes the 100-year mark so special is that we see multi-generational participation from families – it is fantastic to see such a rich history.” 

Suburban Lions’ Men’s Vice President, Patrick Mackenzie, shared Bye’s thoughts: 

“Our club tries to be a community within a community,” Mackenzie says. 

“There are so many important connections made between our members from different walks of life – we really try to make Suburban Lions a place where families can share their sport together. 

“Players can play hockey for a lifetime, so the community sense is so strong at our club with people involved for life.” 

During the club’s 100 years, volunteers and supporters have ensured that the club remains strong, with Lions being one of the longest continuously run hockey clubs in Western Australia. 

Mackenzie encourages members across all sports to dig deep and build an important connection with their local club, as it is one of the key pillars of Lions’ success. 

“As with any amateur sporting organisation, we are so reliant on the financial support and tireless work of our members, sponsor and volunteers,” Mackenzie says. 

“Sporting clubs are the lifeblood of communities and I think it’s important to be able to support your community by getting involved in whatever capacity you can. 

“It has made a difference in my life and I am proud to be a part of such a strong community at the Suburban Lions.” 

Suburban Lions will officially celebrate the club’s 100th birthday with a Centeneray Gala Dinner to mark the occasion at Optus Stadium on Friday 20 May. 

Suburban Lions and hockey members are also encouraged to get involved with the Suburban Lions Community Club Day on Saturday 25 June – more details here.