Douglas Hockey boys win hearts in Townsville

The Douglas Hockey Under-13 boy’s won the hearts of the crowd in an enthusiastic showing at their first-ever state championship recently in Townsville.

The spirit of the 15 boys and their coaching staff was evident as it swept through the tournament embodying a true reflection on what sport is all about.

It was their love for the game that shone through on the pitch, after each match they built on their strengths and improved; the plucky Douglas team never gave up showing an unbridled enthusiasm that was heartfelt.

President of the Douglas Hockey Association Greg Mill said although they did not win any games, they were seen as a standout team of the tournament by trying hard, not giving in, continuing to learn every step of the way, and enjoying the experience.

“It was our first opportunity to attend a Queensland Hockey State Championships, it was important for us to be recognised as one of the newest Queensland Hockey Associations attending a championship; Hockey Queensland were incredibly supportive of us attending.

“We set our goals to ensure that the players experienced their first representative state championship, there was no expectation to win, only to enjoy the experience, learn from playing at this level, and to have fun.

"Our players improved in every game and won the respect of Hockey Queensland, all associations, players, and officials,” said Mr Mill.

Never letting their heads down, for the Douglas Hockey Under-13 boys Townsville was a tournament about persistence, pride, glory, overcoming self-doubt, and doing something memorable – these are all the monikers of a team that will thrive at future championships.

The newly formed Douglas Hockey Association has been coaching inspiring hockey players since 2018, this tournament marked the first outing for a team to represent the Douglas Shire at a state level as well as their first time playing on an artificial surface, something the club does not have access to in the shire.

Now with a thirst for competing at this level, the lads are enthusiastic to keep training to represent our region in 2022.

The Douglas Hockey Association would also like to represent an under-13 girls team and under-15 boys team in 2022.

“We are keen to develop hockey at a grassroots level, but also give boys and girls in the community the opportunity to go to the next level in their playing career.

“Who knows, maybe the next Queensland state player or Australian player could come from these boys or girls,” said Mr Mills.