High level hockey action will return to the Illawarra Hockey Centre in December. Photo: Hockey NSW.
More than 400 hockey players will descend on the Illawarra in December as the region plays host to the 2026 Indoor Masters Invitational.
The Illawarra Hockey Centre at Unanderra will host the event from 4 to 13 December.
Men’s and women’s masters teams will compete across multiple age divisions in a two-stage national indoor format.
Players over 34 are considered to be masters but age groups go to 70+ for women and 80+ for men.
The event is considered a major addition to Hockey Australia’s national events calendar and highlights the continued growth and strength of masters hockey across the country.
Illawarra Hockey Stadium has been selected to host a major masters competition later in the year. Photo: Region.
Illawarra Hockey president Garry Bull said the local hockey community was excited to welcome the event to the region.
“With our world-class playing surface and the attractions of Wollongong and the Illawarra region, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for visiting players and spectators alike,” he said.
“We look forward to the opportunity to showcase our venue and deliver an event to remember for the wider hockey community.”
Hockey Australia senior events manager Nick Frayne said the invitational would provide a valuable platform for masters athletes while delivering strong outcomes for the host region.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing the 2026 Masters Indoor Invitational to Wollongong, creating an opportunity to showcase the passion, skill and community that defines masters hockey in Australia,” he said.
“This event will bring together players from across the country and deliver meaningful benefits to the local region.”
The event has been supported through funding from Destination Wollongong.
The organisation’s general manager Jeremy Wilshire said the region was looking forward to welcoming the national hockey community.
“Wollongong in summer is truly special, and we know visiting athletes and their supporters will find plenty to do off the court,” he said.
“From our coastline to our food scene and everything in between, Wollongong offers so much to those who take the time to explore it.”
