West Hockey 7s Regional IV Event Showcases University Hockey Talent

The recent West Hockey 7s Regional IV event, hosted by The University of Western Australia, saw six university teams hit the turf for a high-energy day of competition.

The event featured three men’s teams and three women’s teams, with one team from each division representing Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, and The University of Western Australia.

A total of fifty-seven student-athletes took part, showcasing their skills, teamwork, and passion in a fast-paced day of 7s hockey.

In the men’s division, Curtin University took the win. For the women, it was The University of Western Australia who came away victorious and secured the win on their home turf.

Beyond the results, the event reflected a bigger purpose in the Regional Intervarsity calendar.

These types of intervarsity events were first piloted in 2024 with the goal of increasing participation at Nationals in sports with low or declining numbers post-COVID. UniSport Australia’s aim was to invest in localised, affordable intervarsity opportunities, removing financial barriers and creating opportunities for students to represent their university, building a pathway into Nationals. Specific sports were targeted, including those with declining Nationals team numbers, those with low numbers but the ability to attract more players, and those with the opportunity to be added to the Nationals program in future years. Hockey was identified as a sport with growth potential in the Nationals program.

An additional, highly valuable outcome from those intervarsity pilot events was that students gained a stronger connection to their university and a richer student experience. For many, non-academic opportunities like sport can be just as influential in creating the optimal environment for student success. With the cost of living rising, participation in sport can be out of reach for some as they don’t have discretionary income to spend on activities such as sport.

This is where funding by UniSport Australia for Regional Intervarsity events provides an opportunity for students to represent their university in sport at little or no cost. For a number of students, this experience sparks interest in competing at Nationals, and for others, it’s simply the pride and enjoyment of wearing their university colours and playing the sport they love, both of which provide an enhanced sense of student experience.

For the West IV Hockey 7s event, UniSport Australia provided the funding to The University of Western Australia (UWA) for the competition.

Tim Buchan, Student Sports Coordinator at UWA Sport, reflected on the broader impact of the days results, saying “The event was a genuine catalyst for the Nationals conversation. The students are really excited for next year. I think this event went a long way to creating those foundations for a team into the future.”

The West Hockey 7s Regional IV event demonstrated the value of these local intervarsity events, giving students the chance to compete, connect, and represent their universities without financial barriers. Beyond the wins and results, the event helped strengthen student experience, foster a sense of community, and inspire participants to consider future opportunities at Nationals.

With such positive outcomes, the Regional Intervarsity program continues to play a key role in supporting both student engagement and the growth of university sport in Australia.

(C) All photographs courtesy of The University of Western Australia and Edith Cowan University and may not be used without the express permission of either university or UniSport Australia.