Published on Tuesday, 21 June 2022 at 11:55:38 AM
The best players from regional associations across Australia will converge on Albany as the City finally gets the chance to host the Hockey Australia Country Challenge this August.
The annual event was due to take place in 2020 but the Covid pandemic and border closures meant the championships have been on hold for two years.
This year’s competition will include six female teams and six male teams from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Defence Force.
Mayor of Albany Dennis Wellington said the City is proud to be able to provide such a quality playing surface for the Championships.
“Sport is part of our culture in Albany so upgrading our turf was partly to support and grow our local hockey players and partly to be able to host national events such as this one,” he said.
“Whether you are a player, avid spectator or sports enthusiast I encourage everyone to get involved during the week of this national competition on our own turf.”
Hockey Australia Chief Executive Officer David Pryles said it is exciting to finally hold the championships in Albany.
“Albany is a fantastic location to host our 2022 Country Challenge,” said Pryles.
“Their upgraded TigerTurf surface is regarded as one of the best hockey pitches in Western Australia.
“Queensland won the female event and New South Wales took out the male event when the Challenge was last held in 2019, and we expect red hot competition after a two year break.”
Australian Country Hockey Challenge will commence in Albany from 6 August until 13 August.
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