What started as a plan to develop the skills of Wodonga’s hockey players has grown into an indoor competition that will be opened to all and sundry.

Wodonga president Kyle Brereton said the response had been overwhelming.

“Players and clubs are keen to play,” he said.

“The original concept was to provide the existing Wodonga Hockey Club players with access to an indoor program during the off season.

“It’s widely accepted it significantly improves both in close stick skills as well as overall fitness.

“But we have had such strong interest from other clubs and players that the competition is now open to anyone and everyone.

“Indoor hockey is seen as a growth area by Hockey Victoria, one of the fastest growing sports in Melbourne, and there is plenty of interest here on the Border.”

The 10-week competition will run on Wednesday nights from October 7 at the Wodonga Leisure Centre.

Games will be two 20 minute halves with mixed teams that require two women among the six players on the court at any time.

Only certified indoor hockey sticks can be used to protect the surface and organisers said they would have a number of the sticks available.

“We think the time is right for indoor hockey, there is a gap in the offering,” Brereton said.

“We hope this is just the start and in the years to come we can add more teams and divisions.

“It has really just gone on the website and we will also launch it on Facebook in the coming days.

“But the response from word of mouth suggests we will have no problem filling the teams this year.”

To register or for more information, visit wodongahockey.com.au and follow the prompts to indoor hockey.