“The name and the classic black-and-gold checkered uniform have stuck around, creating the iconic look of Canberra’s oldest hockey club.” TIA PRIEST-WILLIMOTT has the scoop (lifting the ball) on the club celebrating 90th years together.

A passion for hockey and the dedication of hundreds of volunteers has culminated in the Old Canberrans Hockey Club celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.

The club, lovingly known as Checks, has welcomed people of all ages over the nine decades. 

Catriona Bailey-Price, a long-term member of Checks, was drawn into the world of hockey through her older brothers. 

“I joined when I was five years old,” she says. “My three older brothers were playing hockey and I was dragged along to everything they do… and I just wanted to join in and I haven’t looked back,” Catriona says.

“It’s amazing, I love the sport. There’s a reason why I’ve played it for 30 years.”

During this time, Catriona has represented Australia in the Hockeyroos three times, as well as playing in the first-grade women’s team with Checks.

The local star is one of many who started playing with Checks when she was young. But this wouldn’t have been possible were it not for two boys in 1936 at Telopea Park School who wanted to play hockey, which was considered “a girl’s game”. Boys had the option of Australian Rules Football or rugby.

Max Hill, a future founding member of Checks, had begun playing hockey with the Kingston Club in late 1933 and by the next autumn-winter season was captivated by the game.

He and another student approached their sports master, Jack Lenihan, and asked to practice hockey on sports afternoons instead of the usual boys’ sports.

Initially shocked, the sports master gave in.

By the beginning of the 1935 season there were several boys playing hockey on Saturday.

Together they asked Mr Lenihan if they could form a school hockey team and play matches against the Grammar School and Queanbeyan, who already had teams.

He agreed, but only on the condition that the boys succeeded in finding a teacher who would agree to take charge.

They approached Arthur Martin, a popular metalwork teacher, who Arthur would prove to play a key role in building the Ex-Students Club, which adopted the name “Old Canberrans” in 1939.

This name and the classic black-and-gold checkered uniform have stuck around, creating the iconic look of Canberra’s oldest hockey club.

But it’s not just the look that’s remained the same. Through rough times and good times, the club has rallied around its members, building a strong network.

“It just feels like an extended family to me,” Catriona says.

“We’ve also been really progressive with initiating some more inclusive rounds like the Pride Round, which I think is a true testament to the values the club holds.

“The club just wants you to be there to have fun, play hockey and try your best.”

The club continues to draw in future stars, through its popular kids’ program, Hook In2 Hockey. 

Katie Reid started playing hockey when she was seven, after a friend invited her to come along to a Hook In2 Hockey session. 

“We were not a hockey family,” her dad David says.

“I had never watched a game of field hockey before in my life, but she absolutely loved it and really grew with the club and it’s become a big part of her identity.” 

David was quickly assimilated into the club, becoming junior co-ordinator.

“I think there’s something quite special when you have that strong sense of community within a club that’s been around for so long,” he says

“It’s forever finding out connections with people and how they’ve been involved with the club and why they’re so dedicated to giving up their time to help run it.

“I think having those deep roots in the community really helps make it a rich environment for the culture of the club and of Canberra as well.”

The club has thrived over its 90 years, with numerous teams reaching first-grade finals, and teams in every division and age group.

Catriona also credits the club’s longevity to the generosity from members.

“I think we have some of the best people that are willing to go above and beyond to keep it running and moving,” she says. 

David agrees, highlighting the effort members put into making Checks the best it can be. 

“I know that there’s been periods in their history… where member numbers have dipped or there’s been some challenges, but I think because the club has been such a positive influence on so many of its members they want to put in the work and fight to build the culture of the club,” David says.

ochc.com.au