The Australian Women's Register

Formed at a meeting on May 3rd 1906 , the Aroha Women’s Hockey Club was created as an offshoot of the Goodwood Baptist Church young ladies bible class, open to young women in the church over 16 years of age. The name Aroha means love and friendship in Tahitian. Aroha had not at first intended to play any matches, but as the club mastered the rudiments of the game, it was felt that the level of interest would increase if matches were played. The opening match was played against the local Methodist Club, and the first annual report of 1907 records the pleasure team members felt in inflicting a defeat of 9 goals to nil.

The club joined the South Australian Women’s Hockey Association in 1909. The club had an enviable record in its 74 seasons existence, playing in 51 A grade finals between 1909 and 1980, winning 26 of these.

Aroha set many precedents. It was the first club to throw away the old school tunic and play in a divided skirt. Aroha led the way in fielding junior teams. In its first season, the junior team won one game 20 goals to nil. Of the club’s many State and Australian representatives, the most honoured was Evelyn (“Taz”) Tazewell, who captained SA for 16 years from 1920 and was All-Australian 19 times.