The event will run from January 2 through until the end of the month and will cover under 13’s through to Opens and Masters Divisions in both men and women.

The event is expected to attract the greatest players from all corners of the country in the lead up to the 2018 Men’s and Women’s Indoor Hockey World Cup; to be held in Germany in February.

The sporting coup for Goulburn Mulwaree comes on the back of successful Hockey NSW Indoor State Championships, which were held in Goulburn across a number of weekends in February, October and November 2016 and February 2017.

The State Championships will continue in October and November this year, and again in 2018.

Mayor Bob Kirk is looking forward to the event in early 2018. “Councillors confirmed our commitment to this major event in April this year, and we believe it will have a great impact on our local economy.

We also have a number of talented hockey players based in our region and I’m sure they are very excited to get the chance to compete on home soil in January.”

Hockey Australia’s Senior Manager - Events & Operations, David White commented: “We’re excited to be able to take the Indoor Championships to Goulburn, an area which we know is very enthusiastic about hockey, and which has produced some of our hockey greats.

“We look forward to welcoming players and supporters alike to what will be a fantastic event.”

The NSW Indoor Hockey Championships had a positive economic impact on the region, with the event in February this year estimated to bring over $1.18M dollars to the City.

Businesses interested in becoming a supporter or sponsor of the Festival of Indoor Hockey is invited to call Angela Remington on 4823 4502.