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Hockey NSW announces a new approach to junior development with Hookin2Hockey Launch

Published Mon 11 Sep 2023

The team at Hockey NSW is excited to announce the new approach to junior development through the launch of Hookin2Hockey in NSW. Since the launch of the Hockey NSW Strategy in March where Growth in Juniors was identified as a priority, Corrina Baldock the Growth Manager has led the process working with Regional staff across the state and Associations to determine a way forward to increase participation in 5-11 age group.

The 5-11 age group is an important area of the game. Our primary goal is to provide numerous opportunities for children to hold hockey sticks, ensuring they have an enjoyable experience and develop a passion for the game.

In partnership with Hockey Australia, Hockey NSW will aim to use the Hookin2Hockey Brand to build a national participation brand to increase recruitment and retention in junior participation, making it the biggest registration bracket in Hockey NSW.

 “We are very excited to launch the new approach to Hi2H in NSW. 5-11 is a critical area of the game, and we must work as sport to ensure we are providing a good first experience and that we are increasing awareness and visibility to enable more children to pick up sticks and enjoy our great game. All sports have a strong Junior development program and brand, and I am pleased that Hockey will follow suit in NSW.” – Emma Highwood, CEO, HNSW

Hookin2Hockey will become the overarching brand for all U11 hockey. This will enable the hockey community to increase the visibility and attract new participants from outside current hockey families.

In 2023 the following initiatives will be launched.

  • Increased marketing of the Hookin2Hockey program from Hockey Australia and Hockey NSW.

  • Integration of Hookin2Hockey into Hockey One.

  • The ability for Clubs to co-brand and partner with Hookin2Hockey for established programs, with all programs promoted through the national program finder.

  • HNSW has increased capacity to deliver Hookin2Hockey programs across the state with 8 programs being delivered in term 4.

  • 3 Dedicated Hookin2Hockey and pride clinics launched as part of the NSW Pride Home games.

  • Hookin2Hockey program will be delivered in schools to maximise exposure.

The next priorities will focus on delivering best practice modified junior formats which encourage retention, and ensuring that we transition children from schools into clubs as part of the delivery across the state.

“We are looking forward to working with the Clubs and Associations and Volunteers to turn our focus on this important area of the game.” - Emma Highwood, CEO, HNSW

To register to cobrand or run a program - https://www.hockeynsw.com.au/surveys/4946/

To view the Hockey NSW briefing on Participation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS44T9Xo_xU

If you have any further questions, please contact  Lisa Williams, Community Coordinator lisa.w@hockeynsw.com.au

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