Mackay Hockey Association commenced in a small way in the 1930s with three women’s teams and 2 men’s teams with fixtures played on the triangle at the Mackay Showgrounds. WWII intervened and the association folded. In 1948, Mackay Hockey Association resurrected and the first delegates’ meeting was held at the Oddfellows. Two Clubs, Magpies and Suburbs, each nominated three women’s teams and two men’s teams, with the possibility of nominating more teams.
The first official games were played at the cricket grounds at a cost of 15 shillings for a Saturday afternoon.
Mackay School Hockey Association runs as a separate identity, catering for all children up to 15 years of age.
Saturday mornings sees the Under 7, Under 9, Under 11, Under 13 and Open fixtures with children playing for the schools they attend, or alternate schools if their own does not have a team nominated.
From the age of 13 years, players are eligible to play for a club in the senior competition in Men’s and Women’s grades A4, A3, A2 and A1. These games are played on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons.
Mackay Hockey Association has five clubs – Arsenal, Brothers, Camerons, Norths and Souths United.
In addition to the regular weekend competition there is also a Masters Competition for the 35 and over age group that is played during the week. This competition has both Men’s and Women’s teams and Mackay Hockey Association has a proud history of players that have represented both state and country in the Masters Division.
Mackay Hockey Association, has a very proud history of representative play with many players being selected in QLD and Australian Teams.
Hockey in Mackay is family friendly with many people who volunteer their time, energy, and skills to contribute successfully to “The Game That Grows”.