The Committee of Dapto Hockey are proud to announce they have signed former Kookaburra hockey legend Simon Orchard as their Club Player Coach for the 2021 season.

Orchard, a veteran of 209 games for Australia, a dual Olympian who was a member of the bronze medal winning team at the London Games in 2012, recently moved to the Illawarra region with his family and is excited about the opportunity to link with the Dapto Club. Orchard stated that in discussions with club officials he was “particularly excited about the pathways that the club has for its junior base and also to have the opportunity to work with the club’s junior players and helping them to transition into grade hockey at the club.”
Orchard says his first goals are to work with the club’s base and provide a framework for the Dapto Club to be competitive across all grades - men’s and women’s and juniors. 
“The foundation of a strong club is to ensure that it develops its junior base and provide support to all levels of hockey ability,” Orchard said.

Dapto in 2020 competed in the condensed first grade competition due to COVID restrictions. The year was a success with the team being competitive across the season. Prior to 2020, it had been almost seven years since Dapto had fielded a team in the first grade competition.

Dapto Club President Wayne Billett said the club was delighted by the coup of being able to secure a legend of the sport.
“This is an outstanding outcome, not only the Dapto club, but also for hockey in the Illawarra,” Billett said.
“It is fair to say that over the past few years the number of teams competing in the first grade competition had diminished. With the addition of players with the ability and reputation of Simon Orchard, will not only strengthen the local competition, but also provide invaluable experience and expertise in hockey coaching and playing.”

Training Details:

Training weekly at Lyndsey Mayne (Illawarra Hockey Centre) - GK field

Juniors   - Under 7's, 9's, 11's, 13's and 15's - Tuesday's 5pm - 6pm

Seniors Men's, Women's and Under 18's - Tuesday's 6pm - 7.30pm