On March 3, Mudgee Public School, Gulgong Public School, Dunedoo Central School and All Hallows School Gulgong students participated in a hockey gala day.

Held in partnership with Mudgee District Hockey Association and Hockey NSW, the day offered students the chance to try something new and develop skills in a sport which may not have previously been their go-to.

Mudgee Junior Hockey coordinator, Jo Ioane, says not only are these days a 'fantastic opportunity' for kids, but they also ignite friendships, sportsmanship and physical activity.

"Hockey gala days are a low pressure environment where beginning players feel safe and can learn new skills," she said.

"As a physiotherapist I am very invested in helping people to be active and am extremely aware of the benefits of physical activity.

"Australia still has a high rate of childhood obesity, as well as increasing rates of mental health problems amongst young people. I'm a believer in team sport being a great way to increase physical activity levels and help reduce both of these health issues.

"If children have fun at a gala day I believe they will be more likely to join hockey or another activity which will then help them to be more active. The gala days are also a day of friendship, fun and learning team play and sportsmanship, as well as getting physically active."

While last week's gala day is the only one scheduled for primary school students this year, junior players will get another opportunity to play the game outside of the Mudgee Junior Hockey season with a camp to be held in a few months' time.

"While there may be a high school gala day later in the year, there won't be another primary school one until next year. However, we are hosting a NSW Pride Under 12s School Holiday Camp on July 6," Jo said.

Following the success of last year's gala day, multiple new registrations were submitted with 2021 numbers already shaping up nicely.

"Since this year's gala day, we have already had some new players register, and we expect more to do so in the coming weeks," Jo said.

Mudgee Junior Hockey will be held at Victoria Park every Friday from 4.30pm (minis and primary school) and 6pm (high school).

Registrations can be made by heading to https://bit.ly/3eEXLjR. For information, email mudgeejuniorhockey@gmail.com or mudgeehockey2850@gmail.com