Arequito, Santa Fe – The Micro Stadium of Club Atlético 9 de Julio is buzzing with anticipation as the Track Hockey tournament gets underway today, February 18th. The competition, a popular preseason event for several years, will continue through Saturday, February 21st, and features 28 teams vying for victory across six categories. Admission to all matches is free, offering local residents and hockey enthusiasts a chance to witness the fast-paced action firsthand. This year’s Club Atlético 9 de Julio hosted tournament promises a vibrant atmosphere with both a canteen and grill service available for attendees.
Track Hockey, a dynamic variation of field hockey, is governed by the Argentine Field and Track Hockey Confederation. The sport’s growing popularity has led to an increase in official tournaments held at provincial, national, South American, Pan American, and World Cup levels. A key characteristic of the game is its enclosed playing surface, designed to keep the ball in play. The Micro Stadium at Club Atlético 9 de Julio is ideally suited for this, with its stands effectively acting as containment to prevent offsides, according to tournament organizers.
A Diverse Range of Competition
The tournament boasts a diverse range of competitors, with teams participating in Ladies, Sub 12, Sub 14, Sub 16, Free, and Senior Gentlemen categories. The “Seniors” category is too known as “ex-Mamis hockey,” reflecting a growing participation of mothers returning to the sport. Matches are scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. Each evening, continuing until midnight, providing ample opportunity for fans to enjoy the competition. The event has become a summer staple in the 90’s, drawing significant local interest.
Club Atlético 9 de Julio, located at Mendoza 1363 in Arequito, Santa Fe, has been hosting Track Hockey competitions since 2013. Initially held in the “Ernesto Báncora” gym, the tournament moved to the MicroEstadio in 2015, providing a more spacious and spectator-friendly venue. The club can be reached at (03464) 47-1069 or via email at [email protected].
The Evolution of Track Hockey
While field hockey has a long and storied history, with the Argentine Hockey Confederation established in 1908, Track Hockey represents a more recent adaptation of the sport. The Argentine Hockey Confederation oversees both the men’s and women’s national teams, as well as club competitions like the “Liga Nacional de Hockey” (LNH) and “Argentino de Clubes.” The growth of Track Hockey reflects a broader trend of adapting sports to suit different venues and audiences, making them more accessible and engaging for participants and spectators alike.
The unique requirements of Track Hockey – a closed playing area with fencing – have spurred innovation in stadium design and adaptation. The Micro Stadium at Club Atlético 9 de Julio exemplifies this, utilizing existing infrastructure to create a suitable playing environment. This adaptability is crucial for the continued growth of the sport, allowing it to be played in a wider range of locations.
Looking Ahead
As the Track Hockey tournament progresses through the week, organizers anticipate strong attendance and spirited competition. The event provides a valuable opportunity for players to prepare for the upcoming season and for the community to come together and enjoy a popular sport. The final matches are scheduled for Saturday, February 21st, bringing the tournament to a close. For those interested in following the results and learning more about Track Hockey in Argentina, the Argentine Field and Track Hockey Confederation website remains the best source of official updates.
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