College Sport Wellington (CSW) is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Wellington Hockey Association (WHA) that will see CSW take over the management of secondary school hockey competitions across the Wellington region from 2025.

After over a year of collaborative discussions, both organizations have finalized a three-year partnership that combines WHA’s extensive expertise in hockey with CSW’s proven track record in delivering high-quality school sport administration. This marks a significant step forward in enhancing the hockey experience for students, schools, and all stakeholders involved.

What Does This Mean for Secondary School Hockey?

CSW will assume responsibility for administering secondary school hockey competitions, covering key areas such as competition structures, season dates, and regulations. Meanwhile, WHA will focus on facility bookings (e.g., trainings, trials, and one-off matches) and youth development and representative hockey programs. This division of responsibilities ensures that both organizations can play to their strengths, providing a more seamless and engaging experience for schools and participants.

A Time for Courageous Conversations

The remainder of 2024 will be a time of preparation, with CSW engaging closely with schools to discuss season formats and future competition structures. Feedback from schools and stakeholders will be pivotal as we work together to shape a competition model that best serves the needs of secondary school hockey. As Michael Langley, CEO of Wellington Hockey Association, noted, “This year has illustrated that change is needed, and we all need to be part of some courageous conversations about what is best for secondary school hockey for 2025 and beyond.”

Next Steps

Over the coming months CSW and WHA will continue to refine the operational model, ensuring a smooth transition. Schools can expect further updates from Nadine Stembridge, CSW Sport Manager, for this exciting new venture.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to growing hockey in the Wellington region and ensuring a vibrant, inclusive, and competitive environment for all secondary school players.

Stay tuned for more updates as CSW prepares to kick off this new chapter in secondary school sport!

Article added: Thursday 28 November 2024