Darwin Secures Three-Year Deal to Host National Junior Hockey Championships

Hockey Northern Territory (HNT) and Hockey Australia (HA) are excited to confirm that Darwin will host the 2026 Under 18 National Championships from 3–11 July at the MWT Hockey Centre.

This marks the first year of a three-year agreement that will see junior national championships return to the Top End, with the Under 18s already confirmed for 2027 and the 2028 age group to be finalised. The partnership places Darwin at the heart of Australian hockey’s emerging talent pathway and ensures Territory athletes have meaningful opportunities to compete at the national level without leaving home.

The championships will bring together 24 of Australia’s best boys’ and girls’ teams, showcasing the next generation of elite players and giving the Territory community the chance to witness national-standard hockey in their own backyard.

Hockey NT CEO Jason Butcher said:

“Securing this three-year deal is a key part of our Northern Gateway Initiative, to inspire our young players, energise our hockey community, and contribute to a national platform that is more inclusive and accessible to Territorians.”

The event is part of Hockey NT’s Northern Gateway Initiative (NGI), a strategic plan aimed at growing hockey in the Territory through partnerships with Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Western Australia, and Hockey Australia, while also creating stronger athlete pathways and more opportunities for international competition.

Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles said:

“We’re thrilled to return junior national championships to the Northern Territory. Darwin offers a unique environment for players, coaches, and families, and this agreement reflects our commitment to ensuring all parts of Australia play a role in shaping the future of the sport. The success of past events in the Top End, and the vision shown by Hockey NT, make it a natural choice for a long-term partnership.”

Darwin’s growing capability to host major events is underpinned by ongoing strategic investment in hockey infrastructure. Thanks to the support of the Northern Territory Government, essential remedial works at the MWT Hockey Centre are being completed ahead of the upcoming Oceania Cup.

“Our facility is undergoing essential remedial work with the government’s support ahead of the Oceania Cup,” Butcher said.

“This investment is an important first step, but with national and international events now secured through to 2028, there is a need to continue improving the venue to meet the expectations of national championships and ensure Territorians can be proud of the events we host.”

The decision to return national championships to Darwin follows the success of the 2023 Under 15 National Championships, which delivered strong economic, social, and sporting outcomes for the Territory. Importantly, the event reduced the financial burden on Territory families and provided valuable exposure for NT athletes at a critical stage of their development.

Matches in 2026 will be played across both pitches at the MWT Hockey Centre, including the newly laid surface on Pitch 2. With the dry season providing ideal weather, July is the perfect time for families, supporters, and visitors to experience the best of Darwin while enjoying top-level hockey.

Further details on match schedules, volunteer opportunities, and community engagement activities will be shared closer to the event.

Event Summary:
•⁠  ⁠Event: Under 18 National Hockey Championships
•⁠  ⁠Dates: 3–11 July 2026
•⁠  ⁠Venue: MWT Hockey Centre, Darwin
•⁠  ⁠Duration of Agreement: 2026–2028 (Three Years)

For media enquiries, please contact:
Elle Richardson
Engagement Coordinator, Hockey NT
📧 elle.richardson@hockeynt.asn.au