Australian Under 21 Championships put on hold again

The current COVID situation and border restrictions around Australia has forced the upcoming Australian Under 21 Hockey Championships to be postponed.

The Championships were slated for Moorebank Liverpool Hockey Complex in New South Wales in August.

But the COVID case numbers in Greater Sydney and other parts of the country, combined with interstate border closures, means the event cannot go ahead as originally scheduled.

Despite the continuing uncertainty, Hockey Australia and the Member Associations will meet next week to discuss possible future options.

“This situation is frustrating and disappointing for everyone involved in the Under 21 Championships,” said Tim Cherry, Hockey Australia GM - Commercial, Communications and Events.

“Unfortunately because of COVID, the need to revise plans, dates and locations is something we are becoming accustomed to.”

“The safety of participants is paramount and at this stage any national championships cannot go ahead without major disruption and complication due to the situation around the country.”

“We thank all stakeholders for their ongoing support and understanding as we continue regular dialogue with the Member Associations and State governments to give the best Under 21 players in the country a chance to compete in 2021.”

“We want to be able to run the event with as many teams as can safely attend and we are working behind the scenes on all the possible permeations.”

Further to competition, this year’s Australian Under 21 Championships also form an important part of selection for the upcoming men’s and women’s 2021 FIH Junior Hockey World Cups.

Hockey Australia High Performance Pathways Manager Ian Rutledge says HA is working closely with the various National Institute Network programs and Member Association Pathways programs to map out the best way to maintain the ongoing selection and development for the National Junior Squads for the remainder of 2021.

“With both the Men’s and Women’s FIH 2021 Junior World Cups still scheduled for late 2021, HA will continue to search for appropriate camp and competition opportunities for when the country opens back up and it is safe to do so without the pressure of constant rescheduling due to lockdowns,” said Rutledge.

Hockey Australia will continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance and direction of government and health departments as it looks at options to hold the championships at a later date.