KUALA LUMPUR: Clubs anticipate a costly affair competing for honours in the carnival-format Division Two competition of the Junior Hockey League (JHL) from Aug 3-19.
Group A of Division Two comprises nine teams and they will play their matches at the Bertam Hockey Stadium in Penang.
Another 10 teams in Group B will play at the Bukit Serindit Stadium in Melaka.
Coaches called Timesport to highlight their plight ahead of the competition.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) competitions committee will meet next week to address all issues.
"By playing 14 days in Melaka, for example, Klang Valley teams will spend close to RM30,000, which is double the amount compared to last year.
"Lodging for 20 players will cost about RM800 per day, while another RM1,000 will be needed to cover three meals daily.
"Furthermore, the tournament will be held during schooling days, and most players cannot be away too long from school.
"Coaches and other staff also will have trouble requesting leave from their employers," said a coach.
The JHL this season will see 45 teams, comprising 29 men and 16 women, in action.
The National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil will host the Division One matches and the final.
In the women's category, 16 teams will play matches at the DBKL and KPM venues in KL.
"We are aware of their plight. We will discuss this next week," said MHC competitions committee chairman Datuk Seri Anil Jeet Singh.