Registrations for the 2025 Young Hockey Cherry Cup are now open, the competition is set to kick off on Sunday, June 1st. This one-day highly anticipated 7-a-side mixed hockey tournament is calling on players aged 12 and up to get involved for a day of thrilling, fast-paced action.
This is the perfect chance to reconnect with the sport and have fun with your friends, family, and fellow hockey enthusiasts. Registrations are open through the ‘Young Combined Hockey Association’ Facebook page.
Brendan Sheppard, a committee member of the Young Hockey Club, is excited to bring the event back after last year’s success. “We had eight teams register last year, with participants coming from local teams in Young, Cowra, and even Crookwell,” he says. “It was a fantastic day, and we’re hoping to see even more teams this year, with potential interest from places like Molong and Griffith.”
The Cherry Cup is a modified hockey tournament, designed to be more accessible for everyone. With shorter games, smaller fields, and seven players on each team, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the sport in a fun, social setting. It’s not a full competition but more of a one-day event, so it’s perfect for players looking for a less intense format.
“It’s a chance for people who used to play hockey to come back, form social teams, and enjoy the day,” Brendan explains.
“We’re not all playing for the money. It’s about having a great time, meeting new people, and celebrating our shared love for the game.”
For those new to hockey or returning after a long break, the event still offers plenty of opportu-nities to get involved. However, it’s worth noting that the Cherry Cup isn’t a beginner’s event. The competition is open to anyone who’s played before, so you’ll be up against experienced players who know their way around the game.
“It’s a chance for people to get back on the field,” says Brendan.
“A lot of people grew up playing hockey here in Young and have families now. The Cherry Cup is a fun way to reconnect with old teammates or make new ones.”
The Cherry Cup is open to mixed teams, with a maximum of four men allowed on the field at a time. Goalkeepers are optional, and each team must provide an umpire. The registration fee is $20 per player, and teams will compete for prize money for the top two spots.
Registrations are now open and will close on Sunday, May 25th, so be sure to gather your squad, lace up your boots, and sign up for a day full of action packed hockey. Canteen services will be available at Sawpit Gully, where the tournament will take place, and the facility is well maintained, thanks to the support of the local council.
“This is a community event that brings people together,” says Brendan. “We’re looking forward to having players from different towns come and join us. It’s a great way to meet new people, share a passion for hockey, and just enjoy the day.”
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.
