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For the last eight years, volunteers have been helping the Warkworth Hockey Club provide a facility for thousands of locals to give their sticks a workout and, as the club gears up for its summer season, it is extending its thanks to them.
Hundreds of players turn out at the Warkworth Showgrounds weekly, ranging in age from four to 65-70 year olds, Warkworth Hockey Turf Charitable Trust chair Brett Illingworth says.
“Saturday morning games are a sight to see, with kids everywhere and parents in tow. School games give parents the ability to see their children play locally and match against local schools,” he says.
“On Thursday evenings, social competition sees mixed teams from around Rodney battle it out, with lots of laughs and a drink later.”
It’s not all social, though. The club has five teams playing in the North Harbour competition, with games at home every fourth weekend.
As this edition went to print, the Premier 3 Men and Division 2 Men were preparing to face North Shore United teams over the Matariki weekend at home, while the Division 1 Men, Division 1 Women and Division 3 Women were getting ready to take on Auckland Bays Club.
Meanwhile, the summer social season is due to start in October, with registration taking place the previous month. The social games involve seven and nine-a-side mixed teams.
“Build a team or just watch,” Illingworth says. “We all need good support. Come along and support our locals.”
Illingworth says everything the club is able to achieve has been made possible by “heaps of volunteers and generous donations from locals, which got the turf built” in 2015.
Volunteers are involved in organising the schedules, and in cleaning, repairs and maintenance of the turf.
“We have no paid employees whatsoever. That enables us to keep our fees down and make it affordable for locals to play.
“Composite Joinery is a major sponsor along with some generous individuals who help keep the turf operating.”
Illingworth said Warkworth Hockey Club was the first LED-lit turf in New Zealand, and now boasts “third generation” lighting, made possible by Davco Electrical Service’s “commitment, professionalism and community spirit”.
