Award Winning Regional Challenge Heads To Newcastle in 2022

Hockey NSW is excited to announce that our award-winning Regional Challenge weekend will be held in the beautiful coastal city of Newcastle from the 25th to 27th February 2022.

With the support of the City of Newcastle, along with the Newcastle Men’s and Newcastle Districts Women’s Hockey Associations, the event will christen the newly renovated Newcastle International Hockey Centre in Broadmeadow. 

Throwing their backing behind hockey and our junior athletes from across the State, the City of Newcastle have partnered with Hockey NSW to host the Regional Challenge, and will become the Official Naming Rights Partner of the event in 2022. 

The largest single event in Hockey NSW’s calendar, nearly 3000 players, officials and supporters will descend upon Newcastle over three days, generating an economic impact for the area exceeding $2 million.

The City of Newcastle Regional Challenge is a culmination of the Centre of Development - Hockey NSW’s marquee development program - for Under 13 and 15 players. 

“Being home to world-class facilities and infrastructure as well as a passionate local hockey community, Newcastle is the ideal venue for our Regional Challenge,” said Craig Beed, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Hockey NSW.

“Hockey NSW is excited to partner with City of Newcastle and work with the local Associations to deliver an event that not only produces a significant contribution to the local economy but continues to develop the sport in a region with an already-rich history.

“We’re looking forward to a weekend full of fun and camaraderie for our young players and we’re sure it’ll be one to remember.” 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is proud to partner with Hockey NSW and host the Regional Challenge in Newcastle.

"The Hockey NSW Regional Challenge is one of the largest and most popular events on the hockey calendar and is a testament to the City of Newcastle's ability to attract major sporting events thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and amenities," Cr Nelmes said.

We look forward to welcoming players, officials and supporters to our recently upgraded Newcastle International Hockey this February.

"City of Newcastle is proud to back major sporting events like the Regional Challenge and we are working to attract more State and National sporting events of this calibre to Newcastle."

Hockey NSW would like to express our gratitude to Rydges Newcastle for coming on board as our Official Accommodation Partner for the event. Located in the heart of the city in the trendy Honeysuckle district, they’ve got well-appointed rooms with great amenities, and is an excellent place to make your headquarters if you’re coming along.

Hockey NSW also extends our appreciation to McDonalds, who return as our Volunteer Umpires Partner, outfitting our developing umpires with uniforms and supporting vital officials within hockey at the Regional Challenge and beyond. 

We encourage all Regional Challenge attendees to check out the Visit Newcastle website for information on accommodation, dining and attractions in the local area to help plan your stay in town. 

All the action from the Regional Challenge in Newcastle will be covered on Hockey NSW’s website and social media pages. Make sure to follow us to receive all the updates on the event and what to do in the Newcastle region during your visit.
 
Visit the Centre of Development webpage for more information about this year’s program.