That is unless you are the Wingham Hockey Club.

The club has had a hugely positive impact on Wingham’s three primary schools over the past few weeks thanks to a series of interactive workshops aimed at getting kids interested in hockey.

The community sport initiative has seen Wingham Hockey Club members visit Wingham Brush, Wingham Public and Wingham St Joseph’s primary schools once a week over the past month.

Each session comprises of a range of drills, skills and fitness exercises aimed at building familiarity and finess with the the sport. Hockey club members will continue the visits until the start of the junior hockey season later this month.

“I think it is just about putting hockey out in front of the younger kids,” club secretary Donna Nielsen said. “We’re a big sporting town, and obviously junior rugby league and soccer are huge here. This is just a chance for the kids to learn more about hockey and give them another sporting option.”

The Chronicle attended the club’s rigorous training session at Wingham Public School last Thursday. Ex-Wingham Public School students Emma and Kate Nielsen were among the trainers putting kids through their paces.

Wigham Hockey Club is still looking for more players, coaches, managers and umpires for season 2010.

Training for under 7s and 9s takes place at Wingham Public School from 4pm to 5pm on Tuesday.

Training for 11s,13s,15s and 18s starts today from 4.30pm at Taree Turf. A bus departs from the log in Wingham Central Park at 4pm. Teams arrive back at log at 6pm. Senior training also starts today at 6.30pm.

Anyone interested in playing or helping out can ring Maree 6553 5053 or Donna 6550 5851.