Saturday will be a coaching clinic with representatives from Hockey NSW, while Sunday marks a morning “come and try” fun session for junior players. 

Far South Coast Hockey Association president Steven James said the coaching course was targeted at parents and coaches, but it was a great opportunity to learn key skills and expand the competition in the local area. 

“Qualified coaches from Hockey NSW are travelling down from Sydney to run the course,” Mr James said. 

The session will run from 1pm to 5pm at the Bega University of Wollongong Campus. 

Places are limited so please contact Steven James on 0418 429 113 to book a place. 

Meanwhile, Sunday will follow on with a fun morning of play at the Bega Valley Fields. 

“We’re focusing the primary school-aged kids for a come and try morning between 8 and 9am,” Mr James said. 

The Hockey NSW reps are staying on hand and will lead a junior clinic from 9.30 until midday at the ground. 

Kids are urged to bring a pair of shinpads and a mouthguard, but sticks and balls will be supplied on the day. 

“This is a great opportunity for new and returning players and we’re encouraging everyone to come along.”

“We welcome all players of any skill level, we have quite a broad base in our local competition, from the very beginners right through to open men’s and women’s teams and rep players.

“We’re open to everyone, including those that just want to run around and burn off some steam on the weekends.

“If you've been thinking about having a go just come down and have a look see.”

Players and parents will also be able to meet members of the committee as well as some of the coaches and senior players in the competition. 

“The committee will be present and we’ll have information about the season and how to register,” Mr James said. 

Registrations are available online at www.sapphirecoasthockey.org.au, but the club registrar will be on hand Sunday to help anyone navigate the website. 

He said the club was entirely family friendly with all games held at the same ground on the same day each weekend with about 400 registered members taking part. 

Unfortunately like some other codes, the club does lose a number of teenagers to university or job commitments, but Mr James said there was also exciting ranks of juniors progressing into the senior teams and keeping strength in the club.