National junior hockey championships to be held in Darwin from 2026
National junior hockey championships will be held in the Top End for the next three years as part of an agreement that will position Darwin as a centrepiece of the sport.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
National junior hockey championships will be held in the Top End for the next three years as part of an agreement that hopes to boost the profile of the sport for the next generation of Territorians.
The three year agreement starts with Darwin hosting the 2026 Under-18 National Championships from July 3-11 at the MWT Hockey Centre.
That championship will continue in Darwin in 2027 while the age group for 2028 is yet to be finalised.
The partnership places Darwin at the heart of Australian hockey’s emerging talent pathway and will showcase the best young talent in the country giving locals a chance to see the standard.
Hockey NT chief executive Jason Butcher said securing the deal was a key part of the Northern Gateway Initiative, which includes the upcoming Oceania Cup.
International partnerships with Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Western Australia and Hockey Australia are also part of the deal.
“It inspires our young players, energises our hockey community, and contributes to a national platform that is more inclusive and accessible to Territorians,” he said.
“Our facility has undergone essential remedial work with the government’s support ahead of the Oceania Cup.
“This investment is an important first step, but with national and international events now secured through to 2028, there is a need to continue improving the venue to meet the expectations of national championships and ensure Territorians can be proud of the events we host.”
Hockey Australia chief esecutive David Pryles said they were thrilled to return junior national championships to the Territory.
“Darwin offers a unique environment for players, coaches, and families, and this agreement reflects our commitment to ensuring all parts of Australia play a role in shaping the future of the sport,” he said.
“The success of past events in the Top End, and the vision shown by Hockey NT, make it a natural choice for a long-term partnership.”
The decision to return national championships to Darwin follows the success of the 2023 Under 15 National Championships, which delivered strong economic and social outcomes for the Territory.
The event also provided invaluable exposure for NT athletes and reduced the financial burden of families of players.
Matches in 2026 will take place across both pitches at the MWT Hockey Centre, including the newly laid surface on Pitch 2.
Further details on match schedules, volunteer opportunities, and community engagement will be released closer to the event.
More Coverage
Originally published as National junior hockey championships to be held in Darwin from 2026
Indigenous creators how to embrace‘true natural selves’
‘You can make a name for yourself and you can be someone,’ is the driving mantra behind the inspiring model, creator, mentor, mum and powerful force that is 24-year-old Tiesha Munnich.
Top End councillor promises ‘open, honest and transparent’ leadership
A Darwin councillor and business owner has promised to stay “open, honest and transparent” to the community if he is elected as lord mayor. Find out what he has in store.