History
The MDHA was established on the 3rd April, 1932 and is justifiably proud of its many achievements.
Maryborough is one of the very few centres in Queensland, which own the Freehold Title of its grounds. The first fields at Doonvilla were purchased in March 1932. The strength of the Association slowly grew, and after the return of the Australian Olympic Men's Team from Tokyo in 1964, the Captain of the team, John McBryde, who played his entire junior hockey and a portion of his senior years in Maryborough, visited all of the schools in the City inviting school children to play hockey. The number of teams grew from approximately 20 to 43 teams and larger playing facilities were needed.
In 1966, the Association purchased a portion of an old rubbish dump in Woodstock Street and converted it to first class playing fields, which officially opened in March, 1968.
Maryborough Hockey has nurtured hundreds of elite players, including Olympians John McBryde, Don McWatters, Mark Hager, Sharyn Simpson (McCarthy), Jenny Morris and Clover Maitland. Of these, four have captained Australia. In addition two others, lan McBryde and Kay Lehmann (Kindervarter) also played in the Australian team. On a State level, more than 250 players from Maryborough have represented Queensland from Juniors through to Seniors and Masters.
Facilities
The Maryborough Hockey Association fields are located on the corner of Woodstock and Neptune Streets only a short drive from the centre of town.
The facility consists of:
1 x wet based international standard artificial turf
5 x full size grass fields
5 x half size junior fields
The Association also operates an indoor sports pavilion, used for indoor cricket and netball.
The Association has as affiliate members the following clubs:
- Brothers
- Colts
- Granville
- Tinana
- United
- Wallaroos
Extensive range of Junior grades from Under 6s through to Under 16 competitions at both boys and girls level.
Senior Competitions for Premier league (men & women), Division 1 (men & women), Division 2 (men & women), Division 3 (women), Masters (men & women).
During the summer period 'Summer Time Hockey' is played on the turf. Indoor Hockey is also played at the Maryborough Showgrounds.
Fixtures are conducted Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights and Saturday morning, afternoon and evenings. We cater for all ages from under 7 right through to vets. For a great day out, come along and enjoy the fantastic family atmosphere. The hockey isn't bad either.
Planning
Maryborough & District Hockey Association’s quality facilities meet Hockey Queensland criteria to hold International Test Matches as well as state championships (200 – 400 competitors) over a 3 to 5 day events.