It is a common desire of all hockey associations and clubs to be the best and to grow whereby success is achieved both on and off the field consistently. It takes a strong vision, realistic development goals, wise leadership, a ‘ton’ of human resource support, financial input and a determination to implement a plan of action that will see things through. Toowoomba Hockey Association lives up to these expectations.
It is hard to find too many regional hockey associations that can boast it has 14,000 members.
History and vision of Toowoomba Hockey Association
As hockey progressed in Toowoomba in the 1970’s, one thing was lacking – a permanent Home Ground. After years of playing at different venues such as Godsall Street and other Queens Park venues, Harristown Park, Gould Park and Newtown Park, in 1978 the move to Clyde Park was made. A Committee comprising the then THA Officials, Eliott, Bob Stannett, Ron Jago, Ross Ibell, Adrian Pember, Adrian Bentley, Perry Childs, Ned Hagan and others, looked at other areas of Toowoomba but finally settled for the 10 acres of land that is now Clyde Park, purchased for a princely sum of $15,000.00. The name of their playing facility was settled upon in honour of one of the past forefathers of hockey in our city in the late Sid Clyde, a Past President and State player who was tragically killed in a car accident before he could see their modern facility.
A special tribute must be paid to the working Committee of Ron Jago, Perry Childs, Adrian Pember and Bob Stannett, Ned Hagan and Justin McErlean who were instrumental in developing their current facility. In the early days of Clyde Park there were six grass fields and one small shed serving as Club House and amenities. Current day players may be interested to learn how they grassed their original playing surfaces. Fred Knecht, father of current Groundsman, Russell, would gouge a furrow in the ground with his tractor, a working bee would be called and as many members as they could muster would dig up kikuyu runners from their yards, bring them to Clyde Park, drop them into the furrows, kick dirt over them and hope it would grow.
The start of something big
One could argue that Toowoomba’s climb to the top of the hockey fraternity in Queensland began when, with the drive of their then President, Harry Garden (1990-2001), they proceeded to acquire their first artificial sand surface. Toowoomba businessman Clive Berghofer played a major role in financing the first artificial surface before THA took the next step of upgrading to a water-based field. Along with the new water based field, the development of a new club house was commenced and this was opened in 2008.
Toowoomba Hockey Association changed the name to Club Glenvale in 2008 to open the door to the general public and open the revenue stream from hockey players the whole public. This was a major strategy and turning point. They went from 3000 members to 12000 in the first year. The club now has 14,000 members. It is a social and business meeting place for the Toowoomba community suburb of Glenvale. The associated benefits for the grow of hockey began to flow.
The club employs between 50-55 staff which are under the leadership of Peter Garrod, the general manager of the Glenvale Club. It is a first class facility as a hockey playing facility and clubhouse. Revenue stream comes from 7 days trading Bar, Bistro, TAB, Keno and Gaming. This then allows them to subsidise hockey playing fees, attract more players to the game, and invest in coaching development officers to improve the quality of players.
The THA owns all the land now which is 11.5 acres and they are looking to purchase a further 2.5 acres. Owning the land has made it possible to borrow money and expand. They plan to expand the club even further to incorporate a function centre and gym after they purchase more land. A third artificial turf is not out of the question either.
What is possible not impossible.
“Depending on State Government laws any association or club can do the same” says Peter Garrod.
Hockey associations and clubs may not always get the same opportune pathway that THA pursued, however it is important to keep thinking ‘outside the square’ as to what is possible. To attract extensive sponsors and consequently build a large players base, professional management, marketing and facilities play vital roles
I can remember the Commercial Hockey Club in Brisbane making a choice to go ahead with building a clubhouse that was ahead of its time in terms of design and size. They chose to dream bigger. Today they are arguably the most successful playing hockey club in Brisbane. They have since building the facility successfully hosted an Australian Mens Hockey Championships.
Like THA making hockey the sporting hub of the community is the beginning of a great plan.
