Paul Bloomfield Appointed Hockey Tasmania Chair

Hockey Tasmania is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Bloomfield as the organisation's new Chair, bringing more than four decades of involvement in the sport through playing, umpiring, coaching, administration and governance to the role.

A lifelong hockey participant, Bloomfield has dedicated more than 40 years to the game and remains actively involved in the hockey community. Today, that passion continues through family, with a fourth generation now taking to the field.

"I have enjoyed playing and being involved in a wide range of sports; however, hockey has been my passion for more than 40 years through playing, umpiring, coaching and administration," Bloomfield said.

"Like many hockey families, I can now often be found at Hookin2Hockey, where my six-year-old grandson, a fourth-generation hockey tragic, is beginning his own journey in the game."

Bloomfield said the opportunity to lead Hockey Tasmania was driven by a desire to ensure the sport continues to grow and provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.

"I believe participation in sport is a vital contributor to a healthy and connected society," Bloomfield said.

"I am passionate about creating opportunities for as many people as possible to play, volunteer and be actively engaged in sport. Strong sporting communities not only improve physical and mental wellbeing but also foster inclusion, friendship, resilience and a sense of belonging.

"Contributing to the growth and sustainability of hockey, and ensuring the sport remains accessible and welcoming to all, is a key motivation for my ongoing involvement."

Bloomfield also acknowledged the volunteers who form the backbone of the sport across Tasmania.

"As an amateur sport, I continue to be inspired by the extraordinary efforts of our athletes supported by our hockey volunteers. From club coaches and administrators, match managers and umpires, to State team coaches and officials, and the countless parents who dedicate their time to ferrying young athletes to training sessions and national tournaments, our sport is built on the commitment of passionate people."

Bloomfield said his decision to nominate for the role was underpinned by a commitment to providing strong leadership during an important period for the organisation.

"My motivation to apply for the role of Chair of Hockey Tasmania is grounded in a deep commitment to the sport and to the organisation's future," he said.

"Through my Board experience, I understand both the opportunities and the challenges ahead, and I am keen to provide stable, strategic leadership at this important time.

"I bring a collaborative, pragmatic and outcomes-focused approach, with an emphasis on clear direction, strong governance and accountability. I am committed to supporting management while ensuring disciplined decision-making that is aligned with the long-term success of Hockey Tasmania."

Reflecting on the current state of the sport, Bloomfield said hockey in Tasmania had significant momentum to build upon.

"At a national level, our teams continue to perform strongly. It is particularly exciting that, over the past 12 months, Tasmania has had 18 athletes selected in the Kookaburras, Hockeyroos and national junior squads. This is an outstanding achievement for a state of our size and a credit to everyone involved in our hockey community."

"We have more junior players than ever before. Thanks largely to the support of Aurora Energy and our Hookin2Hockey pathway, more than 840 children are participating this year. Our Hockey in Schools program has introduced more than 3,000 students to the sport through Outdoor Education programs."

"At the other end of the participation pathway, our Masters program continues to thrive, and the introduction of Walking Hockey has seen many people return to or join the game."

Looking ahead, Bloomfield said Hockey Tasmania was well placed to capitalise on the opportunities ahead.

"As we look ahead to this year's Commonwealth Games and ultimately to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, hockey in Tasmania is in a very strong position. Our challenge now is to build on this momentum, continue to grow participation, strengthen our pathways and ensure that Hockey Tasmania remains well-governed, sustainable and positioned for long-term success."