A LOT of work behind the scenes has ensured the Sunraysia hockey field is looking its best in years, just in time for the opening round of the Sunraysia Hockey Association season tonight.
SHA president Kyle Curtis, who took on the role at the end of last year, said the goal had been to make the field as “playable and safe” as possible this season.
“A lot of the work over the last couple of months has been on the ground specifically,” Curtis said.
“We’ve formed a new sub-committee to look after the grounds and do a lot of pitch works … there was too much sand on top of the surface, so it’s all been removed.”
“Also, there’s unfortunately a lot of algae in the surface around the sides so we’ve tried to spray and kill that.
“There’s still a bit to do … but just looking at how green it is and going back on photos from the last couple of years, it’s definitely looking better.”
Curtis said increasing overall numbers had been a challenge, but junior participation rates, as a result of the Hookin2Hockey program had been very encouraging.
“Out total numbers are down, but pretty much everyone that signed up to the program is now entered in competition,” Curtis said.
“Unfortunately the Richmond Football Club were up here doing a program around that time so that had an affect on numbers too.”
Curtis said the association had reached out to different demographics, and tried their best to plan fixtures based on the feedback, a mindset that they’d like to keep moving forward.
“We sent out a major expression of interest to see what times members would like to play this season,” Curtis said.
“One example of a change we made through that was the under-16 boys, who previously played played Friday night games, which meant back-to-back games for many because the men’s competition was on the same night.
“That was a little hard for 14 to 16-year-olds so they’ll now play on Saturday.
“Hopefully that’s easier for spectators and their families … we’re really trying to incorporate that family-oriented approach.”
Competition begins tonight, with the men’s starting things off at 6pm at the Old Aerodrome Ovals.
All other grades will be played on Saturday and Sunday.
The fixture for the 2024 season can be accessed through the following link.
