Lautoka Hockey Association Sets Path to Develop and Grow Hockey

The Lautoka Hockey Association (LHA) is preparing to embark on one of the most ambitious development phases in its history, unveiling plans to strengthen governance, expand participation and transform infrastructure as part of a long-term vision to grow hockey. With a new strategic plan scheduled for release next year, LHA is positioning itself for a decade of structured growth, sustainability and renewed community engagement.

The new strategic plan will outline the Association’s long-term direction and highlight how LHA intends to achieve its goals through clear priorities, practical actions and measurable outcomes. Short-term goals will also be defined to ensure that progress begins immediately while the broader vision unfolds.

New Foundations Already Taking Shape

While the major push begins next year, LHA has already ticked off important milestones. This year, the Association successfully launched its official website, creating a central hub for information, promotion and communication. The platform gives LHA greater visibility both locally and internationally, enhancing the Association’s credibility and making it easier for overseas districts and former players to stay connected.

LHA has also secured private donor funding to maintain its website operations, marking a crucial step in stabilising the organisation as it prepares for larger projects.

Strengthening Governance and Building a New Model

One of the key projects underway is a new governance and operational model for LHA. This framework will support the Association’s goals in fundraising, development programs, projects, marketing and building a larger player base.

The Association is actively recruiting local expertise, community leaders and former players who have the passion and commitment to help grow the sport. Their experience, combined with new structures, will form the backbone of LHA’s long-term transformation.

A Major Dream: From Grass to Turf

LHA’s flagship project is its most ambitious: upgrading Lautoka’s existing grass field to an international-standard turf facility. Achieving this will require a substantial investment running into the millions, and the Association acknowledges that donor funding and government support will be essential.

Before approaching partners, LHA is developing the business case to justify the scale of investment. The project is expected to shape the next 5 to 10 years of hockey development in the district, unlocking opportunities for hosting national and international tournaments.

By 2026, LHA aims to complete the framework and lay the platform for its various programs to begin taking shape by 2027 and beyond, with a three-to-five- and ten-year implementation window.

LHA–Strike Hockey Academy Partnership to Build Player Pathways

A key pillar of LHA’s development vision is its growing partnership with the Strike Hockey Academy, an initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of hockey talent in Lautoka. Through this collaboration, LHA and the academy are working together to develop structured pathways for young players, focusing on strong foundational skills, individual technique, team play, game management and decision-making under pressure. Leadership development is also central to the program, with the academy encouraging young athletes to take responsibility on and off the field, understand team dynamics and build the habits required for long-term success. The joint partnership reflects LHA’s commitment to building a sustainable future for the sport by investing in youth, creating opportunities and ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled players for the district.

Calling on Former Players and Clubs to Step Forward

As part of its community-driven approach, LHA is appealing to its clubs, supporters and former players—both in Fiji and around the world—to support the district financially or through mentorship, networking or professional skills.

One former Lautoka hockey player did not hold back in emphasising the gap between talk and action:

“There is too much talk and less action from those who speak but do not walk the talk. When it is time to support the district, they cannot be seen with any action, yet they are the loudest critics around the tanoa. It is the same handful of members working hard to drive the sport. Also, most former players really want to support LHA, but wanted to see a structured pathway taken by the Association. Its only a minority, who are still set in their old ways. We need behaviours and mindsets to change, we need to work together “.   

The message is clear: if Lautoka hockey is to grow, support must be collective. And as the LHA slogan reminds everyone: “United in Hockey, Driven by Community.”

LHA has also made special acknowledgement to former president Marcel Hicks and Martin Coffin, the current president, recognising the foundation that both of them laid over many years. The Association also thanked former members who have contributed to hockey’s development in Lautoka.

Engaging Former Players Worldwide

The new board is committed to an inclusive approach, and part of this vision involves re-engaging the global Lautoka hockey community. Former players now living in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and elsewhere will be regularly updated on developments in the Sugar City.

Soon, LHA will undertake an ambitious project to contact all former players and build a directory listing, which will form part of the Association’s long-term database for communication, networking and growth.

Driving Growth Across Fiji and Beyond

LHA’s short-term plans include a domestic tour across Fiji, with visits to Vanua Levu and Levuka to help revive and grow the sport in other parts of the country.

In the longer term, LHA intends to take its teams on tours to New Zealand and Australia, giving players international exposure and building relationships with sister associations abroad.

These tours are not just about competition—they are designed to develop player skills, deepen cultural exchange and grow the game nationally and internationally.

International Ambitions Already in Motion

The Association is currently developing the framework for the National Club Hockey Tournament, which will attract international clubs from around the Pacific. LHA hopes that former players around the world will join hands and help make the event a success, solidifying Lautoka’s position as a regional hockey centre.

An LHA official summed up the call to action:

“To all those hockey lovers, it is time to support the Association and get on the bandwagon, and be part of the change.”

A Long-Term Vision for Player Pathways

In its long-term projects, LHA is exploring ways to send talented players overseas for combined sporting and academic opportunities. The goal is to help promising athletes balance hockey with studies, whether through university degrees, technical training or sports placements—while still playing the sport they love.

The Association will introduce these programs in phases, depending on funding availability and partnerships.

A New Era Begins

With its strategic plan on the horizon, its groundwork strengthening and its network expanding, the Lautoka Hockey Association is preparing for a new era of development. The road ahead requires unity, commitment and financial support—but for the first time in years, Lautoka hockey has a clear plan, renewed energy and a bold vision for the future.