People of all abilities encouraged to take up hockey in Hockey for All inclusion program

With the Winter sport season underway, Hockey WA is encouraging even more people to pick up a stick and take up the fun and safe sport of hockey.

Last October, Hockey WA launched its Hockey for All initiative, an inclusive program encouraging people of all abilities and backgrounds to take up the sport.

Since launching, the program has been rolled out across several WA hockey clubs and associations.

Fremantle Cockburn Hockey Club and Whitford Hockey Club offer the Hockey for All program for people living in the Perth metropolitan area, while Karratha Hockey Association, Coalfields Hockey Association (Collie), Busselton Hockey Association and Lower Great Southern Hockey Association are official Hockey for All regional providers.

Whether it’s all-abilities hockey or walking hockey, Clubs and Associations have been working with their local community to deliver personalised programs that suit their needs.

Hockey WA General Manager of Game, Community Development & Pathways Shayley McGurk-Davy said this year’s Hockey for All programs have already received overwhelming positivity from the community.

“It’s clear that the Hockey for All program is not only impacting the lives of participants but also enriching the broader club community,” she said.

“From seasoned players rekindling their love of the game to newcomers experiencing its thrill for the first time, Hockey for All’s impact across the board has been profound.

“I’m delighted to hear of the dedication of club and association volunteers and the enthusiasm of participants, proving the program is about more than just hockey.

“Hockey WA is immensely proud of the progress of the Hockey For All program so far, and we eagerly anticipate the exciting developments that the rest of the year will bring.”

Hockey Australia Social Impact & Sustainability manager Melissa Gmeiner said Hockey Australia is proud to be part of a project that creates more opportunities for people with disability to get involved in hockey.

“Disability Inclusion is a key focus for Hockey Australia, and we will continue to work to ensure hockey is a safe and inclusive sport for all,” she said.

“The Hockey for All project will see a legacy across Australia with the development of inclusive coaching education, better pathway transparency, plus more people with disability playing hockey.”

Hockey for All has also been made possible thanks to support from APM, Inclusion Solutions and the WA hockey community, as well as the Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries, who is a proud benefactor of the Inclusive Participation program.

For more information and relevant resources, visit the Hockey for All webpage or contact Hockey WA Member Engagement Coordinator Rebekah Yeow.