With world-class facilities and quality organisation awaiting them later this year, the country's rising young stars can expect a memorable experience when they compete for top honours in various age groups at the SA Schools Hockey Association (SASHOC) National tournaments to be hosted by Southern Free State Hockey between 25 June and 12 July 2023.
Once again, the SASHOC Nationals 18-day hockey festival is expected to deliver superb performances from the best schools players across the nation, who will turn out for their provincial teams.
By building a solid platform over the years - through district and provincial events - SASHOC has ensured the top-flight inter-provincial tournaments will not only offer a strength versus strength format, but will also give young hockey players valuable experience both on and off the field with the host province and sponsors ensuring the best awaits them in terms of organisation and hospitality.
Along with the hard-working local organising committee, SASHOC started the planning and logistical process for this year's Nationals in December 2022, ensuring organisers were given sufficient time to put quality events together across the board.
The hosts are also providing superb facilities, boosting the experience offered to the participating players and teams.
The main field to be used will be the Kovsies Astro university ground, where the A-section games will be played. The B-section matches will be played at Grey College and Eunice High School for Girls.
"We are looking forward to welcoming team officials, players, parents and all other hockey lovers to Bloemfontein,” said Louise van der Merwe, the head of the LOC.
“We invite everyone to come and experience and appreciate schools hockey at the highest level and true Free State hospitality.”
The SASHOC Nationals will be backed by multiple valuable partners - including sponsors Sportsmans Warehouse (retail partner), Grays Hockey (ball and umpire shirt supplier), Trompie Sport (sports facilities partner), and renowned brands SPAR and iKhokha – ensuring the players receive the support they need throughout the tournaments in all age groups.
“We truly appreciate the tremendous backing we have received from all our partners and sponsors, who all make a huge difference in ensuring this event is as successful as has come to be expected from our premier schools hockey event of the season,” said SASHOC chairman Wendell Domingo.
“With more than 118,000 players registering to compete in schools hockey last year it is clear that the sport is growing in popularity in terms of participation and youth development and we are eager to see the latest generation of young stars in action.
“The SASHOC team and the LOC are doing an incredible job in the build-up to ensure this is a world-class event in terms of organisation and hospitality, and we are grateful for their continued efforts.”
With organisers having extended their agreement with SuperSport Schools, the SASHOC Nationals will also have significant reach.
Family members and friends of players, as well as hockey fans around South Africa, will again be able to watch live, with matches in all age groups being broadcast on television and on the SuperSport Schools app.
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