Clareville bid for international hockey

INTERNATIONAL NEXT: Pictured is a warm up National Hockey League match at Clareville turf with Central Maverick's Joe Hanks (grounded), and Capital's Stephen Jenness.

Hockey Wairarapa is hoping to host an international test series at the Clareville turf later this year.

In a submission made to Carterton District Council on May 29 Hockey Wairarapa stated: "The series will involve the Black Sticks women's team who will play two games at the Trust House Hockey Wairarapa Complex on Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26. At this stage the opposition has yet to be confirmed, but the USA team has been invited and it is hoped that they will confirm their attendance very soon."

Hockey Wairarapa said the region needed the international test matches to develop the sport and get people interested in what hockey has to offer.

"We feel that to host such an event would be a tremendous coup for the region and we would relish the opportunity to bring this level of sport to the Wairarapa. However, in order for this to happen we will require help with funding the event and quite possibly support to provide the infrastructure required at the hockey complex."

Executive officer at Hockey Wairarapa Kelly Govan said the Clareville turf was designed so Wairarapa could host large tournaments and international hockey.

"We have successfully held both national and secondary school tournaments and also NHL "warm-up" games at Clareville. This has provided both local supporters and visitors the opportunity to see first hand a fast and exciting sport and also the chance to stay in and tour a part of the country which has much to offer."

Hockey Wairarapa is requesting $4000 be set aside to secure hosting rights of the two international fixtures. "We hope the funding required will come from councils and Trust House Community Trust."