Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Tamworth hockey push to host international team

Two of the three fields have achieved 'global status' when tested by the Federation of International Hockey and now the club has its sights set to become a base for overseas competitors.

With three fields, Tamworth could host trial matches or training, club president Ross Briggs said.

"I think we have the ability to host a few different types of sports here if teams are looking at bases to set up at," he said.

"With our Centre of Sporting Excellence out there and the accommodation in the area there's a lot of ability for us to host international teams.

"It would be massive, it could potentially put us on a circuit for touring at national level competitions that capital cities usually host, and to have some sort of exhibition matches or any touring international teams to include us once COVID-19 allows."

The International Olympics Committee has given Brisbane's bid for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games 'Preferred Bid Status'.

It means it's one of a few cities that have moved to the next phase of negotiations, with a decision expected to be made around July.

Locally, Tamworth has already played host to the NRL's NZ Warriors, who used the city as a quarantine and training hub last season.

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Happy to cheer on from the sidelines, Tamworth Regional Council general manager Paul Bennett said he thought it was a great idea.

"One of the things about the work that's been done with hockey is that we've elevated our city to not only having great hockey facilities but when people come and see the town they see everything else we have got," he said.

"We actually have been given some undertakings from Hockey Australia to host an international team here in Tamworth, so we will certainly be pushing that agenda.

"That's not just the Olympics, but whenever there are major championships our facility can be used as a training camp similar to what was done with the Warriors and Tigers at Scully Park."

A $9.6 million overhaul was announced for the hockey facility in 2018 and saw the original fields revamped and a third added.

It's one of only five locations in the country with three premier pitches, which means it can host national championships.

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