An informal men's over-40s competition has started in recent weeks at Albury Hockey Centre and been well supported after COVID-19 restrictions brought an end to the regular season.

The midweek event follows a similar format to Hockey Albury-Wodonga's Saturday eights season with players not representing their clubs and split into teams.

Organiser Ross Maggs has been pleasantly surprised by the response.

"At this stage it's a few one-off games, it just depends on how keen the boys are," Maggs said.

"They're keen to go again after Wednesday night, I must admit, so it could be something that runs every couple of weeks.

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"Normally the hockey season would be finished by now, but because we haven't played much and some boys haven't played at all, they found it quite enjoyable getting back out there.

"We had three teams worth on Wednesday, so we rotated it around."

Maggs said the goalkeepers have been the stars of the competition thus far.

"They're the youngest masters players and they're a bit too good for the older forwards," he laughed.

"The main thing is everybody is having a bit of fun and the games are all good quality.

"The boys have really taken to it and we got quite a few more playing this week than we did the first games, so word of mouth is working.

"There's only a few of us playing in the eights competition on Saturday and the Wodonga players weren't able to come over until this week."

An influx of Border soccer veterans have also used it as a chance to try hockey for the first time.

"They fit in well. Although they're a bit inexperienced, they can run a bit and their speed gets them where they need to be," Maggs said.

"Soccer and hockey are similar in structure, so in a lot of ways they know where to run to receive a pass."

Those interested in playing can contact Cayte Campbell at the Hockey Albury-Wodonga office for further information.