Students from Tamworth South, Tamworth West and Timbumburi Public schools participated in the gala day – made possible through a partnership between Hockey NSW, Tamworth Hockey and the AASC program.

“The Tamworth hockey gala day provided local children with the opportunity to try hockey in a fun, safe and inclusive environment with trained community coaches,” AASC regional co-ordinator Kate Dubois said.

“We encourage children to join a local junior hockey club or school sporting team by introducing them to the clubs and facilities available in their community. 

“It’s about participation and having a go, so it doesn’t matter what skill level a player is, we just get enjoyment out of watching the kids enjoy themselves.”

The kids did some skills and drills and played some small-sided games with AASC staff, Tamworth Hockey Association development officer Michelle Aslin, regional coaching co-ordinator Blair Chalmers and local juniors Isaac Woodley and Matt Johnston on hand to help out.

Johnston has been helping deliver the AASC hockey program this through this term while Woodley will start coaching next term.

Hockey is one of a handful of sports offered through the AASC initiative, which demonstrates the important links between the program, national sporting organisations and local clubs to develop national junior sport programs and resources that provide quality sporting experiences for children.

The AASC program provides children with the opportunity to try a wide variety of sports and other structured physical activities through a positive and fun experience. In doing so, the program aims to encourage them to develop a love of sport that motivates them to join a local sporting club and get participants and their families active for life. 

As part of the partnership between the AASC and Hockey NSW, Tamworth Hockey is offering a rebate for any new players that have participated in the AASC program.