A new way to play, Kookaburra 8s is based around a fast, fun and more flexible game of hockey. With eight players on each team and at 12 locations around NSW, players will be invited to a skills session followed by two days of Round Robin competition playing a half-field, modified format of the game. Appropriate for first timers as well as more experienced players looking to rediscover their love of hockey, Kookaburra 8s is the perfect way to ease yourself into the season ahead.

Participants will also be the first to utilise the revolutionary new Joey Ball, a softer and safer alternative to the traditional hockey ball while not sacrificing its fundamental characteristics. Every team that nominates for the Carnivals will also receive a dozen of the balls, making Kookaburra 8s players some of the very first in the world to try out the new technology - and take it home with them.

The Kookaburra 8s Carnivals replace the Under 9 & 11 Centre of Development, providing players with a greater spectacle and more value for money. Attendees will receive:

• An hour and a half of development delivered by Level 2 (or higher) Accredited Coaches
• Up to four hours of round robin game time in a players home region
• Coaches attending have the option of participating in a 90 minute "Coach the Coach" session on the 2nd day of the Carnival

Nominations will be taken at a cost of $282.25* per team of eight, representing excellent value at just over $35 a player.