The gala day has had a hugely positive influence on the sport locally with junior numbers ballooning each season.

Organiser Ben Cooley gave an insight into what will be happening throughout the day.

“During the day kids will get to know their peers in a friendly non-school denomination competition while being introduced to the outstanding game of hockey,” Ben Cooley said. 

“Playing team sports such as hockey is a very effective method for facilitating people's personal development of team and life skills and enhancement of a community spirit and involvement.

“Up for grabs will be hockey kits so you will have all you need to start the season.” 

Sadly, hockey is rarely exposed to students at school which is surprising as Australia has been world champions in both male and female titles, Mr Cooley said.

“A gala day like this might be the sole exposure they will get.”

Students will first learn the skills in the morning and then play modified hockey games in the afternoon.

If you are a hockey enthusiast or just curious about the game, Cowra hockey encourages you to come down to the hockey fields this Friday and check it out.

Anyone that would like to give a hand and has hockey experience please contact Ben Cooley at St Raphael's School 63422940.

“Hockey in Cowra is growing quite a bit, helped in no small part by the gala day,” Cowra hockey’s Gai Gauci told the Cowra Guardian earlier this month.

“We generally have 300 to 400 kids. It was a bit lower last year because of the wet weather and one of the school’s carnivals were moved to the day of the gala day,” Gai said. “The amount of kids coming is twice the amount of hockey players we get registered in Cowra.

“We usually have groups of 10 doing activities. Dribbling, stopping, pushing, defending and then finish with small field games.”

Hockey NSW representatives, including one or two players, will help host the event along with volunteers from the community and students from the town’s High Schools.