Kookaburras Glen Simpson and George Bazeley and recently retired Hockeyroos Stacie Joseph and Emily Hurtz have agreed to take part after a clinic today.

Hockey 8s organiser Ross Maggs said it was a great coup for the opening night at the Albury Hockey Centre.

“After hearing the association was playing its annual tournament all four wanted to participate,” he said.

“These guys really play hockey at another level so we’re hoping hockey lovers and sports fans will take the opportunity to come and watch them play and perhaps donate to our charity Give Me 5 for Kids.”

The hybrid hockey competition is in its third year, with proceeds from the three weeks of games split between junior development and a nominated charity.

Maggs said organisers hoped to raise more than $16,000 this year.

“The women’s matches start at 6.15pm, with the new team Healthfocus Physiotherapy led by Brylee Gallagher playing Cosgraves Property Advisors captained by Sadie Sawyer on Field 1, while Johnsons MME will play Newmarket Hotel — the defending champions — on Field 2,” he said.

“The men starts at 6.50pm with Hume Bank playing Newmarket Hotel and Gardens Medical Group playing The X-Ray Group.

“The other two men’s teams play at 8.10pm with EDC Electrical, captained by triple Melbourne Premier League best and fairest player Andrew Monte, playing Party Oz Entertainment, led by Spitfires games record holder, Ian Beath.”

Entry is by gold coin donation.