Officially launched today with the Captains Call bringing together captains from each of the competing teams, the Championships will see Australia’s best regional hockey talent on display.
The 2023 edition features a total of 12 men’s and women’s teams from across Australia, including New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and the Australian Defence Force.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, welcomed the event saying he was looking forward to receiving over 200 players plus coaches, support staff and officials for the week long tournament.
“Greater Shepparton City Council is very proud to host the 2023 Hockey Australia Country Championships. We welcome staff, athletes and their supporters and wish them all the best throughout the tournament,” he said.
“Our Sports City precinct has enabled us to host some amazing events such as this one, a great opportunity to activate the economy throughout the region, while strengthening our reputation as the leading sporting and events capital of regional Australia.” Cr Sali said.
Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles was excited by the opportunity for the Championship to take place in Greater Shepparton.
“Greater Shepparton City Council and the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association have done a wonderful job in readiness for hosting and welcoming the teams for these championships, so it promises to be a fantastic week of competition.”
“For our regional hockey community and legion of players who participate in the sport in these areas, this event on our national calendar is their time in the spotlight,” he said.
Following the tournament, Australian 2023 Country Squads will be announced consisting of Senior Men’s and Women’s squads as well as Under 21 Men’s and Women’s squads.
This year’s event is made possible thanks to Hockey Australia and the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association