North Coast to launch 2009 hockey program | Northern Rivers Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Northern Rivers

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THE North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) will launch its 2008-09 hockey program at Port Macquarie this weekend and the make-up of the 34-member squad will include a strong contingent from the Far North Coast.

The off-season program aims to identify the best 14-16 year old male and female players and to provide them with a program that focuses on skill and fitness development.

Hockey has been an Academy endorsed program since 2002.

Goonellabah's Graham Baxter will be heading the coaching staff.

The four assistant coaches are Tony Clark (Evans Head), Kim Cox (Port Macquarie), Ray Loy (South Grafton) and Steve Cox (Port Macquarie).

The program runs from November to March and includes four weekend camps run on the synthetic turfs at Goonellabah, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Grafton.

Locals in the 34-member squad: Mitchell Carter (Casino), Zac Clark (Evans Head), Scott Crispo (Alstonville), Ashley Gibson (Ballina), Adam Grill (Coraki), Mitchell Harley (Goonellabah), Sam Harvey (Goonellabah), Marli Hope (Knockrow), Emily Hunter (Ballina), Georgia Hunter (Ballina), Jenna Lidbetter (Alstonville), Tim McDonald (Modanville), Alexander McKendrick (Evans Head), Adam Moore (Casino), Ashli Olive (Coraki), Brooke Riley (Lismore), Sophie Rodda (Wollongbar), Kallie Seymour (Goonellabah), Sarah Wykes (East Lismore).