The Joey Ball provides a softer, safer alternative for players in the under 11 age group and below which will not sacrifice the fundamental characteristics of a hockey ball.

Hockey NSW chief executive David Thompson said the development of the Joey Ball was the result of an 18-month-long collaboration between Hockey NSW and Kookaburra once the need for the ball was identified.

“The result has been a product that will help our coaches introduce hockey in a safer way, making the sport more accessible overall. This is important, especially in the primary schools of NSW, a huge focus for us now and in the future,” he said.

Hockey NSW are working with Kookaburra on a distribution strategy which will see the Joey Ball available early next year.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Hockey Association president Simon Thresher said it was encouraging to see the sport continue to take a safety-first approach.

“We account for two per cent of injuries, well below dancing and walking,” he said.

“But it’s hard to break the stigma associated with playing hockey which uses a hard ball and a hard stick.

“You’re more likely to get injured in rugby league, soccer and cricket than you are playing hockey.”

Thresher said it was also an exciting time for the sport in the Hastings with the construction of the second field nearing completion.

“It allows us to continue to expand the sport and we’re looking at having an official opening on April 22,” he said.

“It will be a Hockey NSW-sanctioned event which will kick off the season.”

Clubs are also expected to hold come-and-try days throughout February and March.