Hockey Australia Extends Partnership with Fortescue Metals Group

October 21, 2014

Hockey Australia have announced the men’s team will be supported by Fortescue Metals Group after the Western Australia-based company extended its relationship for a further two years. 

The agreement, which will run until 2016, will see Fortescue, the world’s fourth largest producer of iron ore, continue to be the team’s major sponsor. It extends the company’s relationship to run alongside its partnership with Hockey Australia on the National Indigenous Program. 

As part of the arrangement, Kookaburras athletes and coaching staff will work with Fortescue on its leadership, mentoring and personal development programs. They will support the programs with workshop facilitation, presentations to middle management and engagement with new graduates. The team will also run a series of Mini Miners hockey clinics for the children of Fortescue employees.

Hockey Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale said, “The continuation of what has been an excellent relationship with Fortescue is a real boost to the team and to Australian hockey as a whole. For the Kookaburras, it means continued support in the build-up to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. 

“In a challenging commercial environment it is hugely significant that a major Australian company continues to throw its support behind hockey. What distinguishes our partnership is that it is more than just a sponsorship. The work Fortescue also does with our National Indigenous Program in the Pilbara is making a positive difference to the lives of young people in the community there.”

Fortescue Chief Executive Officer Nev Power said Fortescue and the Kookaburras shared many values such as determination, enthusiasm, empowerment and integrity.

“Fortescue is extremely proud to be associated with the Kookaburras, a team that is dedicated to a high performance culture, both on and off the field, and with a reputation for being the world’s best. The Kookaburras are a team that embodies the very same values that drive Fortescue’s unique culture,” Mr Power said.

“We are equally proud to continue supporting the National Indigenous Hockey Program that is working to improve school attendance and the educational outcomes for children living in the remote indigenous community of Roebourne. Through this program school students are learning invaluable health and life skills through their contact with high-performance athletes.”