Last time they made a stop to town, Hockey NSW ignited a spark of love for the sport at their gala day with multiple kids signing up to Mudgee Hockey.

And, having made a return on Tuesday, July 2 there are hopes numbers will continue to grow.

190 students from Cudgegong Valley Public and Mudgee Public School, respectively, took two hours out of their day to learn the basic skills of hockey alongside ex-hockeyroo, Kate Hanna.

Hanna, who has played 31 games for the national side that is currently ranked third in the world, and who is also an ambassador for Hockey NSW, says the gala days are about getting kids involved who would otherwise never have played hockey before.

"At Hockey NSW and Macquarie Bank, we've been going around to some of the rural towns in NSW to implement hockey through schools, especially for those that don't get any exposure to hockey," she said.

"Sometimes it's more about whether they know the sport or not, what's televised is what they want to play."

Read more | Prizemoney is on the rise for these feature country meeting

With multiple other sports thriving during winter, Hanna says giving kids the opportunity to have a go at the sport is the most valuable part of the gala days.

"It's [winter sports] very standard with netball and soccer so it is really important to let the kids know hockey is any option," she said.

"If they get a stick in their hand and they enjoy it, they're likely to pick up the sport and join a club.

As for Hockey NSW's participation manager, Blair Chalmers, the programs are about getting the kids involved and ensuring they're in a safe environment.

"A program like this will ignite the passion for hockey within the community," he said.

"It's not a dangerous sport if coached well and I think that is a perceived perception because they've got a stick, but it is a very safe sport."

Read more | Dragons plan to 'perfect the basics' pays off in clash against Blayney | Photos