The third most popular sport in the world (after soccer and cricket), hockey not only gives children an engaging, fast-paced, healthy alternative to sedentary recreation but can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, according to Bankstown Sports Hockey President Graeme Barnard.
“I got involved in hockey and the club about 18 years ago when my children began playing,” he said.
“I became president and then started playing myself about six years ago in one of the men’s teams; it’s such good fun.”
The club was first hit in January 2020 with the Georges Hall bushfire which burnt through their field in Mount Street, Bass Hill, then Covid struck and their competitions were cancelled.
“In November, a storm lifted off the roof of our amenities block; everyone is hoping this year will allow us to have uninterrupted success,” he said.
“Most of our 10 teams – juniors, women’s and mens – made it through to the finals last year and our Under 17 Mixed team won their Grand Final again St George Randwick.”
Established in 1947 and one of the oldest in NSW, the hockey club will open registrations this month for the winter season getting underway in late March or early April, with training starting in the first week of February.
For more info, visit bankstownhockey.org.au.
