Minister for Sport John Eren has congratulated Victoria’s Under 21 Australian Champions at the State Netball and Hockey Centre.
Victoria’s men defeated Western Australia in the gold medal match at last month’s competition in Canberra, while the state’s women defeated New South Wales in Hobart, bringing home both titles.
Mr Eren today joined winning Victorian coaches Lachlan Anderson and Luke Michael, as well as victorious captains Casey Hammond and Meg Pearce, at Victoria’s home of hockey to mark the achievement. This is the third time Victoria has claimed twin titles, after first achieving the feat in 1998, and then again in 2010.
Hockey Victoria is on track to reach 23,000 registrations this year. That’s a six per cent increase in participation on 2014. The State Netball and Hockey Centre boasts a new state-of-the-art pitch, developed by Polytan STI – the Dandenong-based company responsible for pitch surfaces at the Beijing and London Olympic Games.
Attention now turns to September, when the Victoria Vikings men’s team and Victoria Vipers women’s team contest the Australian Hockey League. Both sides will be aiming for gold, after claiming bronze in 2014.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“Victoria’s hockey talent runs deep. It’s no surprise our state under-21 teams are the champions of the nation.”
“Congratulations to all players, coaches and support staff who have helped make Victoria’s success possible. You’ve done us all proud.”
“The State Netball and Hockey Centre is one of Victoria’s top sporting facilities. It gives our hockey stars the facility they deserve.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020