Australia's largest pride Hockey event stands out

Wow! Just wow! Another year of the Stand Out Cup has shown off the amazing Victorian hockey community coming together to celebrate the inclusivity and diversity of our beautiful sport.

On Sunday the 26^th of February, over 320 participants gathered at Footscray Hockey Club to show our support for the LGBTIQ+ community and to continue to foster a game for all, for life.

Each year this event grows because of the tremendous community that we have. This went above and beyond in 2023. A whopping 43 teams participated in the Stand Out Cup this year, which was a huge 12 team jump from the year prior.

The atmosphere around the Footscray clubrooms was full of positivity and joy, with teams getting into the spirit and dressing up in all sorts of colours and costumes to bring life to the entire event. It is great to see team’s come prepared with marquees, banners, flags, and even food platters to add to the spirt of the day!

We cannot thank the teams, players and spectators enough for their involvement and support on the day. Without you, this event isn’t as fantastic as it is. We love how you embrace everything that encapsulates the Stand Out Cup and the passion you demonstrate for the LGBTIQ+ community and standing up against Homophobia & Transphobia.

We are also so lucky to have Proud 2 Play and their partnership for the day. To Christine and her team, we love the passion you bring, and we hope this day has raised money, support and awareness for the incredible work you do! Well done on taking out the C Grade final as well.

To the Mel Morton, Nicole Virtuoso, and the Footscray Hockey Club, thank you for hosting once again in 2023! Your staff, your teams, and your facilities are the foundation that make the event what it is. We would also like to thank to Maribyrnong City Council Mayor, Cr Sarah Carter and Cr Anthony Tran for joining the day. The event has grown significantly over the past two years and we are grateful to Footscfray HC and the council for their support.

Lastly, we want to thank all the HV staff, officials, and volunteers who were on the ground and helped out on the day. It is a long, hard day setting up and packing down, officiating multiple games in a row, and overall making sure the event goes smoothly, but without you, the event would not go ahead. We hope you are proud of the effort and energy you put in.

Congratulations to Anne from Monash Uni for taking out the best dressed. Wyatt from the Gippyroos for winning the spirit of the day.

Congratulations to our A, B and C Grade champions of the day, as well as all other teams who took part in the day. The sun was out, and despite it only being in it’s mid 20’s, it was hot out there on the pitch.

Thank you to Stu Westmore, Patrick Rebakis, and Charlotte Wilson for taking photos and socials on the day. More will be shared on the HV socials.

The full results and ladders can be found here.

View the full photo album here. 

See you again in 2024!