Some of the nation's best players who started playing for clubs in the Far North Coast Hockey Association returned to pass on their skills at a free clinic for under 11-year-olds to under 18-year-olds hosted by Ballina Hockey Club.

Head Coach - Men's Hockey at NSWIS (NSW Institute of Sport) Brent Livermore, who won the gold medal with the Kooraburras at the 2004 Olympic Games, and Darren "Chook" Fowler, Brisbane Hockey League Premiership-winning coach, volunteered to hold free coaching clinics at the Ballina Hockey & Sports Complex.

Players from back-to-back Brisbane Hockey League champions Labrador, including former Kookaburra Dylan Wotherspoon, Australian Development Squad member Blake Wotherspoon, Queensland Blades players Joe Reardon, Luke Tyne and Ethan White, Junior World Cup squad member Luca Brown, Queensland/NSW state player Brad Hughes, NSW state players Reece Gaddes and Cooper Stahl and Queensland Under-21 player Tyler Arundel conducted free coaching clinics for all age groups. Luke Tyne, of Labrador Hockey Club,also assisted with the coaching.

Willow Davis being presented with a Labrador shirt from Brent Livermore at the clinic. Photo: Shez Napper

"It was a very successful weekend for all concerned . The exemplary manners and enthusiasm of the participants was extremely encouraging and the friendship and cordiality extended to us by the Ballina Hockey Club was worthy of high praise . Well done to the Ballina Hockey Club's Shaun Arundel and Tony Meldrum and all the club members in the canteen and the barbecue and generally who assisted us in anyway to feel welcome," said David Reardon, Labrador Hockey Club Manager.

"We couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of junior aspiring athletes who were well mannered, polite, motivated and who listened intently. Some of the fantastic ability across the age ranges indicates why so many good athletes come from the North Coast and Far North coast region.

"I hope we can do it again next year."

Jake Hamilton being presented with a Labrador shirt from Dylan Wotherspoon