About

HELLO KOOWINDA,

FAMILY AND WELCOME

TO THE 2026 SEASON

Please take a moment to read through this update so you’re aware of everything happening as we head into the 2026 season.

🏑 New Pitch Upgrade

The Sunraysia hockey pitch is currently undergoing a major upgrade — yes, we are finally getting a brand‑new pitch! This is thanks to the tireless work of the Sunraysia Hockey Association committee over many years. The upgrade is expected to be completed in June.

While this is incredibly exciting, it does mean the start of our season will look a little different. The committee has worked hard to create new opportunities so our members still enjoy plenty of hockey across multiple formats.

🌱 Starting the Season on Grass

We will begin the season on grass, with two professionally marked pitches ready for use. We will also have access to a beach hockey pitch set up on the grass. If you haven’t seen beach hockey before, it’s worth a quick Google — it’s fast, fun, and a great way to develop new skills. This pitch can also be used at pop‑up locations across Sunraysia to help promote hockey and attract new players.

We understand some people may not love the idea of playing on grass, but here are a few important points:

• Apart from Mildura and Bendigo, every other association in the Northwest Area plays exclusively on grass.
• Playing on grass builds a different skill set that will make us stronger, more adaptable players.

A draft outline of the season is attached. Game times are still being finalised, and what you see is a guide only and may change.

🏟️ Friday Night Indoor Hockey

This season also includes the option to play Indoor Hockey on Friday nights at the Irymple Leisure Centre. Indoor hockey is fast and intense, with 6 players on the court at once (5 field players + 1 goalie). It’s a fantastic way to sharpen skills and get extra game time.

📣 What We Need From You

To organise the timetable and determine how many games we need to schedule, we need to confirm player numbers.

Please reply to this email with:

• Your name
• The grade you wish to play in for the 2026 season

THE SHA ARE CURRENTLY VERY WORKING OF SEASON TIMES AND WILL GET THE DETAILS OUT

SOON AS WE HAVE THEM.

📱 CHAT GROUPS

We are in the process of setting up new chat

groups on WhatsApp due to the Messenger

Community Groups being shut down.

Please use the link below to add yourself

and your family to the Koowinda Community Group:

As the season gets closer, players will be added

into relevant team chats once playing groups are finalised.

🔗https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kj0dpymLBkR9D9fcAyiKcX

💲 FEES

Fees will be confirmed once SHA provides updated information to clubs.

🌟 Early Bird Fees (available until 2026 – date TBC)

• Senior: TBC
• Junior: TBC
• Under 11s: TBC
• Goal Keepers (who supply their own gear): TBC

Standard Fees

• Senior: TBC
• Junior: TBC
• Under 11s: TBC
• Goal Keepers (who supply their own gear): TBC

📝 REGISTRATION DAYS

Registration days will be set once we receive confirmation of the season start date.

All players are able to renew their registration with Hockey Vic.
Invoices for club fees will be sent once final costs are confirmed.

🏑 TRAINING DAYS, TIMES & LOCATION

Senior Training
📅 Commencing Wednesday 11th March
⏰ 6:00pm – 7:00pm
📍 Baseball Pitch (adjacent to the Hockey Pitch)

Junior Training
Dates and times to be confirmed.

Please keep an eye on Facebook and the Group Chat for updates.

👥 COACHES & TEAM MANAGERS NEEDED

We are still seeking coaches and team managers. Several junior grades may not be able to run without additional volunteers.

If you are able to assist, please consider helping — our teams cannot play without coaches and managers in place.

Volunteer here:
🔗https://forms.gle/gNcbAfTZak1Wb6YbA

More information will be sent out as soon as it becomes available from SHA.

Thank you for your support — we’re looking forward to a great season! 🏑