Young athletes from across the country have gathered in Goulburn, New South Wales, for the start of the 2026 Hockey Australia Under-16 Indoor National Championships at the Veolia Arena. The tournament runs until January 19, 2026, and features the country’s top junior indoor hockey talent competing for national titles.
Host-state teams have made strong starts. The New South Wales State (NSWS) girls’ side recorded a 6-0 victory over Western Australia, and the New South Wales Blues (NSWB) boys’ team beat the Australian Capital Territory 3-0 in early pool play.
The championships are part of a broader month of hockey the Goulburn Mulwaree Council expects will inject roughly $3.5 million into the local economy. Mayor Nina Dillon said hosting these events helps fill local hotels and restaurants as more than 1,350 players and their families visit the region.
Goulburn has secured hosting rights for national indoor events through 2026, helped by facilities such as the Veolia Arena, which features timber sprung flooring suited to high-level indoor competition. For those unable to attend in person, matches are being streamed live online via LiveHockey.com.au.
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