History

Hockey has been played at Maitland Park since the 1970’s with the “CKM” competition, Cessnock-Kurri-Maitland, having games at all three centres.

The first meeting of the newly formed Maitland Hockey Association (MHA) was held in 1983. MHA organised and ran the Women's Saturday competition as well as mixed High School and Primary school competitions at Maitland Park. Later Minkey (Modified Hockey) for young children was also introduced.

At the first meeting of MHA, Helen Cannon was elected President, a position she held until 1993. Her sister Margaret Horner was Honorary Secretary. Beryl Ormerod was made the first Life Member at the 1984 AGM for her dedication to Maitland Hockey.

As early as 1986 there were discussions about the need to construct a separate hockey centre complex for Maitland Hockey, which did eventually come to fruition 22 years later, in 2008.

In 1987 moves began for MHA to become an incorporated body. However, despite incorporation, the Association's title remained Maitland Hockey Association until 2015, when it changed to Maitland Hockey Incorporated as part of a major restructure by Hockey NSW. This restructuring resulted in Maitland, Cessnock, Scone and Nelson Bay Associations becoming part of a new entity "Hunter Hockey Association" (HHA) competing as HHA at State level in Hockey NSW Championships but continuing to run their own local competitions at local venues.

Fund raising, with a view to establishing a separate centre with an artificial turf was undertaken by various means, including running a successful Canteen out of the big green concrete tank structure at Maitland Park. The large brick storage shed near the Canteen was constructed and working bees helped to make it useful.

A Turf Committee was established to work with Maitland City Council and to plan and manage the new venue with its water-based artificial turf.

The much-anticipated first season of play on the new water-based artificial turf of the Maitland Hockey Centre was in 2008. Games could be played at any hour of the day or night, due to the field lighting and could also be played during the summer months as well as in the traditional winter season.

The lack of changerooms, showers, canteen, storage and separate toilets for Men and Women was a major driver for further fund-raising to improve the facilities. The new building was constructed and officially opened in 2019, providing dedicated men's and women's facilities (separate toilets and changerooms), a meeting room, storage and a large canteen and kitchen area. Construction of team dugouts and tech office on the opposite side of the field was completed a few years later.

In April 2015 a "superstorm" resulted in severe damage to the artificial turf surface, when it was flooded by a deluge of water and debris which undermined the structure. This necessitated moving the competitions back onto the grass of Maitland Park while the damage was assessed and repaired. Fortunately, the damage was eventually repaired and the turf totally replaced.

Maitland Hockey Inc continues to organise mid-week Junior mixed competitions and coaching, a Women's Open Competition on Saturday afternoons and an annual Junior Carnival.

There have been many dedicated volunteers who have helped shape Maitland Hockey over the years, working in various roles including as committee members, executives, team representatives, canteen helpers, umpires and coaches. Several have been recognised and elected as Life Members.

One of the features of women's hockey at Maitland has been the ongoing commitment by players to continue to play hockey over many years, with an age range from 13 years to 70+.  

Previously known as "Veterans" in the NSW Hockey competition, Maitland has been sending two or three teams annually to State Masters Championships since the 1980s. The popularity of Masters hockey has grown so much at State level that the Masters Divisions have expanded from Over 35s to include Over 40s, Over 45s, Over 50s, Over 55s and in 2019 the inaugural Over 60s Division - won by the Maitland HHA team. It is impressive to have such a competitive team of women all aged over 60 and still playing competitive hockey together. A number of our Masters players regularly represent NSW in the annual National Masters Championships and three were also selected to play in the inaugural O70’s Australian team at the 2024 Masters World Cup in New Zealand!

Maitland Hockey Inc players continue to play the sport they love and reap the many benefits it brings: including fitness, friendship and fun.