The competition was designed to give primary aged children from year 3-6 the opportunity to try the sport of hockey in a fun social environment.

The games have been played on half artificial turf fields with eight players per team and no goalkeeper.

The half-field format offers players more opportunities to be involved in the game with a higher number of touches on the ball.

The use of the Hockey NSW designed modified joey ball has increased the safety and enjoyment for players.

The small sided game gives players a chance to learn and improve their skills.

Boys and girls from Scone Grammar, Tamworth Public, Timbumburi, Saint Nicholas, Saint Edwards, Calrossy, Westdale, Oxley Vale, South Tamworth, Carinya, Manilla Central and Saint Michaels Manilla schools have attended.

Approximately one third of the children participating have never played hockey before and 20 teams comprising around 160 students have taken part.

Some schools have used this hockey experience to form their teams for future competitions such as primary PSSA state knockout.

Volunteers from the schools and from the hockey community have assisted children in learning the rules and skills of hockey during the games.

This free hockey experience leads into the winter Saturday competition which commences on April 7 for boys and May 5 for girls and Minkey age children (under 9s).

Players will have the opportunity to further develop when the HNSW Kookaburra 8s program takes place in April.

Club registrations will be taken for the next two Tuesday afternoons between 4pm and 6pm and also during the hockey ‘come and try’ day on Saturday. April 7 from 9am.

A free barbecue will be provided for players on the final Tuesday.