Turf grows hockey

Warkworth senior hockey has seen registrations triple since the inception of the new turf at the Warkworth Showgrounds last year.

The facility hosts competitive senior games on Friday and Monday evenings, with six women’s teams and five men’s teams.

“We have seen a great improvement in the standard of men’s hockey this season and an increase in women’s teams,” Warkworth Hockey committee member Monique Vujcich says.

Hockey numbers are improving across New Zealand and the juniors have also had improved numbers since the new turf was completed, she says.

“With both the men’s and women’s national sides playing in this year’s Olympics, the figures are likely to get better,” Monique says. “But one problem we face is a lack of quality umpires.”

She also says more people are needed to run competitions in the future.

The Mahurangi Junior Hockey Club play at the turf on a Saturday morning from May through to September.

“Junior Hockey has become more appealing to families since the opening of the turf,” junior club committee member Tania Steen says. “Being an all weather turf, it means less cancelled games, no more running around in the mud, and the kids can experience a faster game.”

The junior club is made up of five clubs formed through the primary schools in Matakana, Warkworth, Leigh, Kaipara Flats and Snells Beach.

Last year, 13 of its 98 registered juniors made the North Harbour rep development team.

“We have a great level of skill in our area when it comes to young hockey players,” Tania says.

Both the senior and junior hockey committees have said they would like to see a clubroom put by the turf with bathroom facilities, especially for poor weather days.