Tourism WA and Hockey WA support Hockey Australia U21 Championships 

Tourism WA, together with Hockey WA are supporting the 2022 Hockey Australia U21 Championships which got underway today at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University - showcasing the talent of players aspiring to become the next Kookaburras and Hockeyroos.

The event makes a welcome return to the national hockey calendar after COVID forced its cancellation in 2020 and 2021. The championships are part of a series of high-profile hockey events taking place over the next three years in Perth, delivered by Hockey Australia with support from Hockey WA.

Over 300 players across 17 men’s and women’s teams nationwide are participating in the championships, with over 600 coaching staff, officials, their families and spectators expected to attend from outside of Western Australia.

The tournament will also be used as selection for the National Men’s (Burras) and Women’s (Jillaroos) Junior squads.

Jillaroos Coach Stacia Strain and Burras Coach Jay Stacy, as well as Hockey Australia Pathway Technical Leads, Mark Hager and Mark Knowles will attend the event to select and finalise these national squads that are seen as a pathway to the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras.

Hockey Australia Chief Executive David Pryles advised “the Under 21 Championships is arguably the blue ribbon national championship hockey event run by Hockey Australia.

“Not only because it features the best under 21 male and female hockey talent across the country, but it is the tournament where players aspire to be part of the National Junior Program which is a stepping stone to Hockeyroos and Kookaburras selection.

“Tourism WA, together with Hockey WA have done a wonderful job in supporting and preparing to host this event, which will no doubt be eagerly contested on the pitch.

“It is fantastic to have these national hockey events back after two years of disruptions caused by the pandemic, so I am sure the players will be thrilled to be on the national stage again representing their home state or territory.”

WA Tourism Minister Roger Cook notes "hosting events such as these championships attracts athletes and their supporters from across Australia to WA, showcasing our fantastic sporting facilities, and promoting the many attractions and unique experiences we have to offer interstate visitors as a holiday destination.

"I encourage everyone travelling here to explore our State, whether it's taking in the stunning Swan River views from Elizabeth Quay, learning more about our history at the award-winning WA Museum Boola Bardip, or travelling further afield to our diverse regions such as Margaret River or Australia's Coral Coast.

"Securing the Championships, as well as the other hockey events set to take place over the next three years, will provide a boost to the WA economy, which is positive news for local businesses, such as tourism operators and accommodation and hospitality providers."

The Australian Masters Men's and Women's Championships will take place in 2023, followed by both the International Hockey Federation Pro League and the Australian Under 13 Carnival in 2024, as well as the Australian Under 18 Championships in 2025.

Alongside the current championships, the series of sporting events are expected to attract a combined 4,500 people from interstate and generate visitor spend of more than $11 million over three years.

Following the success of the men's and women's national hockey teams at last year's Tokyo Olympics, there is now an even bigger interest in hockey among Australians.

Queensland won the last Under 21 Women’s Championships back in 2019, while New South Wales are the reigning men’s champions.

For more information on the Hockey Australia U21 Championships, including the women's and men's match schedules, go to hockey.org.au/eventscomps/u21-australian-championships/

Image courtesy Hockey WA