FREE KIT AND CABOODLE

HOCKEY Tasmania has kickstarted an initiative aimed at providing primary school children with free playing kits and equipment, as it aims to place a hockey stick in the hands of every Tasmanian child by 2023.

Get Into Hockey programs will offer introductory courses for children aged 6-14 years and provide a new hockey stick, ball, shin guards, backpack and singlet for all participants.

The Nash sisters Amelia, 11, and Phoebe, 9, have experienced just one school term of hockey and have made great friends through the sport.

“The colours on the stick are good and I most enjoy running around and playing with friends,” Phoebe said.

Mum Tania said: “I think it’s a really good way for them to learn team sports and working together, get a bit of co-ordination and fitness. It gets them away from screens and out into the fresh air, so it’s been really good for these two and they’ve really enjoyed it.”

Hockey Tasmania CEO Damian Smith said putting sticks in the hands of first-time players at no extra cost to their families removed any barrier for entry for the next Eddie Ockenden and Bianca Langham-Pritchard.

“We want to remove as many barriers as possible, so that all Tasmanian kids can discover a love for the sport that could lead them to a lifetime of healthy activity, fun competition, connections with friends and their community, and possibly even representing their country at an Olympics,” he said.

More details on Get Into Hockey programs running in February and March are available at hockeytasmania.com.au.