By Tara Murray
Hume Hockey Club is hoping to continue to build on its achievements of the past two years.
Having slowly built a core group of players and members, the club is thriving as it looks to take the next step.
New Highlanders president Harry Mason said it was an exciting time for the club with a number of new players and members.
With the area having a population boom, Mason said they were keen to continue to build.
“We’re trying to get the recruitment right up there for next year and look at having a masters team and more juniors,” he said.
“We were hoping to have two women’s sides, but it doesn’t look like we’ll have the numbers for that, so we’ll look at that next year.”
For Mason, being president of the Highlanders is a long way from when he started playing hockey.
“I’ve just come back to Melbourne after 20 years away. I joined the club last year.
“I grew up in Craigieburn, but had to travel to play at Glenroy, Broadmeadows and Jacana to play on grass.
“There wasn’t any hockey in Craigieburn. It’s nice to be back home.”
Mason said there was a lot of work to be done, not just at the Highlanders but for the entire sport.
He points out the popularity of hockey in Australia as one area they could work on.
“Hockey is ranked number 22 in sports in Australia,” he said.
“We’ll try and work with Hockey Victoria to help get the sport up and going in the area.”
Mason said they would likely have four sides again this year – all likely in the same division.
The pennant G side made finals last year, as did the women’s side in its first season.
The metro men’s side missed finals, having been promoted the previous season.
Mason said they were looking for coaches for both their men’s and women’s programs.
He said coaches of any levels were welcome to come down to the club.
The club is also looking for players for all of their sides.
It’ll be a big couple of days this weekend for the club, with the Craigieburn Festival and then the club’s open day the following day.
Mason said they would have a kids ‘come and try’ demonstration at the festival.
The open day, which runs from 11am-4pm, will include skills sessions, match play, newcomers skills sessions, an exhibition game and food.
The club will also host coaching and umpiring courses in late March.
