The NSW Women’s Veterans Hockey Championships are expected to bring 2000 visitors to the New England and an estimated $2 million boost to the local economy.

One hundred and seven teams will contest the championships, which officially begin at 2pwhen Newcastle and Maitland face off at the New England Hockey Centre.

Six local teams have been entered, with two playing in the over 35s, two in the over 40s and one each in the over 45 and over 50 divisions.

Competition continues until the finals are held on Sunday afternoon with each of the New England sides to play at least five games.

First cab off the rank for the locals are the New England 2 and New England 6 sides who have their first matches at 3pm.

A hefty social program will also accompany the on-field action, with a function to be held at the Ex-Services Club on Friday evening, featuring the launch of Barbara Osmond’s book Tradition and Transformations: A Tribute to NSW Women in Hockey 1908-2008.

Osmond is the project co-ordinator of the NSW Women’s Hockey Association’s centenary celebrations.

The following day the official welcome ceremony will be held at 12pm, followed by an exhibition match featuring the 22 oldest players in the tournament, played under the rules as they were 100 years ago.

“It is intended as a ‘look how far we’ve come’ and should provide a humorous display for all,” Jo Dolan, Hockey NSW interim veterans’ committee member and one of the principal organisers, said.

Dolan said the organisation that has gone into the event was massive.

“Some are saying that it’s as big, if not bigger, than Wool Expo,” she said.

“The most impressive thing is that all the work has been done by volunteers, so to get it up and running has been a great effort from Hockey New England.”

President of Hockey NSW, Carol Purdy, said that the weekend will be the culmination of a lot of hard work from a lot of people.

“This is a big year for women’s hockey and the veterans state championships provide an excellent opportunity to celebrate all that is great about women’s sport and the history of women’s hockey in NSW,” she said.

See page 27 for the draw for all six local sides.