With the squad having been selected shortly after, the group was able to come together on Sunday November 1 for their first training session. Both the boys and girls squads travelled to Armidale where they met coaches Greg Doolan, Helen Willis, Fiona Porter, Karissa Davies and Josh Morton for their training session at the SportUNE hockey facilities.

Doolan said it was fantastic to see returning athletes from last year as well as a lot of new faces.

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"It shows the growth and enthusiasm towards the sport across our region and the coaching team is very excited to see what the 2021 season brings," he said.

Congratulations to the following athletes on their selection in the squads: Tahlia Barwick (Tamworth), Lili Beattie (Tamworth), Izzy Bramley (Tamworth), Brydie Chegwyn (Armidale), Olivia Clarke (Armidale), Ella Constable (Tamworth), Emma Dauparas (Armidale), Emma Gray (Armidale), Ellie Highlands (Tamworth), Jenna Marquardt (Armidale), Chloe McWilliam (Tamworth), Erin Porter (Armidale), Kara Porter (Armidale), Jorja Power (Walcha), Claudia Rodda (Tamworth), Abigail Schimann (Oxley Vale), Chloe Scicluna (Tamworth), Bridget Tydd (Tamworth), Abby Wakely (Calala), Danika Watson (Boambee), Sam Ball (Armidale), Joseph Briggs (Tamworth), Sam Griffith (Tamworth), Mason Johns (Armidale), Jude Kelly (Tamworth), Cameron Le Surf (Armidale), Rory Littlejohns (Tamworth), Eden Love (Armidale), Andrew Garette Macinas (Tamworth), Lochlan Nicoll (Armidale), Ben O'Connor (Tamworth), Ethan Schumacher (Armidale), Jayden Scott (Tamworth), Lachlan Spark (Woolomin) and Ryan Taggart (Tamworth).

Following hockey in the commencement of their 2021 program, is the Jack Newton Junior Golf golf squad. Darren Burger will be returning as the head coach of the squad in 2021 and will conduct the first training weekend on November 7 and 8.

The squad is: Nixon Bird (Walcha), Ryan McKinnon (Tamworth), Oliver Thomas (Hillvue), Saxxon Ford (Tenterfield), Matthew Reece (Inverell), Rhys Devney (Moree), Luke Devney (Moree), Charlie Milford (Coonabarabran) and Harrison Milford (Coonabarabran).

Both hockey and golf squad athletes will have the opportunity to develop their skills and game play through out of region tours, including the 2021 Your Local Club Academy Games that will be held in April next year.

Athlete Profile: Molly Elford

Where are you from?

Quirindi

What NIAS program are you in?

I am in the Glen Innes and District Services Club Netball Program.

How long have you played netball for?

I have played netball for four years.

What is your favourite position?

My favourite position is either in centre, or as wing attack.

Who has been the greatest influence on your sports career?

My netball coaches (especially Bec McKenzie)

What goals do you have with your sport?

I want to learn new skills and gain experience through my coaches and playing against the best players in the state so I can play the best that I can.

Who is your favourite athlete?

Maddy Proud from the NSW Swifts and also Steph Wood who plays for the Sunshine Coast Lightning