Hockey as a sport effectively began at Geelong Grammar School after the Melbourne Olympics in 1956. From its initial years as something of a Cinderella sport played on the rough paddock of Kow Flat, through to the early 2000s when hockey grew to become a very significant sport for both boys and girls. Today, hockey is played on the synthetic surface of the Norman Bender Centre.
The initial attempts of establishing a Hockey Club Steering Committee were made in late 2006 by the likes of Dick Johnson (GGS Staff 1966-1988) and interested hockey parents like Jennie Reed. By the end of 2008, however, the interest had waned. A revival of the GGS Hockey Support Group was facilitated in September 2011 by a hockey parent, Sally Kincaid. The first AGM of the Inaugural Committee was held and a hockey parent, Debbie Haines, became the first elected President of the Group.
Since then, the Group continues its support of the students and the Head of Hockey in three ways, by providing:
– morning teas and regular barbecue at the Bender Centre for all players, both GGS and visitors
– assistance in the organisation of the end-of-season dinner including fundraising for the Group on the night
– support at the pre-season camp where necessary.
The overarching goal of the Group is to support the players and coaches and engender a sense of team and pride in the sport and representation of the School.
A current, specific focus is to grow the Group membership with particular attention paid to the Middle School cohort, in the hope that their increased involvement would ensure the strength of the Group moving forward.
President: Edwina Sinclair (Kinnear, Cl’81)
Vice-President: Sally Cleary
Committee Members: Philip and Julie Clarke
Immediate Past President: Jim Miller (2018-19)
Past Presidents: Fiona Cole (2015-18), Rod Evans (2014-15), Jo Moore (Sutherland, Cl’81) (2013-14), Debbie Haines (2012-13), Sally Kincaid (2011-12)
Through the School’s fundraising partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF), donations to Geelong Grammar Hockey group are tax deductible.
The Club does need funds to continue to provide equipment, improved coaching facilities, provide barbecues at match day, social functions for our parents and supporters, and trophies/badges for our players. This can only occur with your donations and we are grateful for any help you may be able to provide.
So please show your support for Hockey at Geelong Grammar by donating via this link.
Life membership of the Geelong Grammar Hockey group is by a one-off subscription only and is open to all Parents and supporters of Hockey at Geelong Grammar School. Family membership comes with a supporter’s scarf and covers all students in the family who are playing hockey at GGS as well as parents of these students. Additional scarves and caps may also be purchased.
Follow the link to Join the Geelong Grammar Hockey Membership online
For more information or to contact the Geelong Grammar Hockey Committee, please e-mail Iga Bajer, Support Groups & Corian Coordinator via supportgroups@ggs.vic.edu.au