Five Far North Coast athletes have been named in the NSW U/15 Hockey Teams to play in the Australian U/15 Championships in Bathurst in April.

Hollie Matthews, James Coleman, Kalani Franklin, Connor Makings and Finnigan Robinson were all successful in making the NSW Teams.

Connor Makings fends off another shot in goals. Photo: Shez Napper

The training squads were announced last year and the final teams were selected from these pools to represent NSW in the Championships to be held in Bathurst from the 9^th to the 15^th April.

Hollie Matthews was excited about her selection, "It is an honour to be selected. It is tough coming from a regional area, competing against the city players."

There were 70 girls and 70 boys vying for selection in each team, and the competition was tough.

Finnigan Robinson has been training hard leading into the final selections. Photo: Shez Napper

"There were two trial weekends in Sydney, one in December and one last weekend before the teams were selected."

"We have to go to Bathurst for a training camp and then to Sydney two weeks later for another camp prior to the Championships."

Kalani Franklin has his eye on the prize. Photo Shez Napper

"We are all very lucky to have Adrian McGrath coaching us weekly as he is involved with Hockey NSW, he has been a great help."

"We have been training twice a week since the season ended last year."

James Coleman has been working with FNC coaches in readiness for the National Championships. Photo: Shez Napper

A number of Far North Coast athletes are also in contention for selection in the U/18 NSW squads, which is particularly relevant this year for the girls as Far North Coast Hockey are hosting the NSW Under 18 Girls Field State Championships in May, which will see a weekend full of the best players in NSW at the Goonellabah Hockey Complex and the Ballina Hockey Centre.