This year's York Cup and Kim Small Shield will have a more regional focus after COVID reared it's ugly head again.
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After the pandemic saw the 2020 edition cancelled, the Tamworth Hockey Association was looking forward to welcoming 43 teams from far and wide.
But in light of the evolving situation in Sydney, the THA board on Thursday night decided to follow the advice of their governing body Hockey NSW and not to allow teams from the Greater Sydney region to attend. There were set to be several teams from Sydney as well as Illawarra and Central Coast (which are deemed part of the Greater Sydney region) participating.
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"This is a very conservative approach but the one that give us the least ongoing disruption in the future (ie a lockdown) and the least danger to Tamworth," THA president Ross Briggs said.
Around 30 now will take to the fields for what still promises to be a great weekend with teams traveling from the coast, Newcastle and even Canberra.
"We'll make it very worthwhile for all the teams," Briggs said.
One of the unique aspects of the tournament is that players have the opportunity to experience both outdoor and indoor formats with games played at the hockey fields and the Sports Dome.
It is all part of the development focus that has made the carnival what it is.
And not just for the players. There are also development opportunities for referees and coaches.
The first games hit-off at 9am on Saturday morning with the carnival running through to Monday.
Many of the players warmed up for the three days of action by participating in the coaching clinic that was put on on Friday afternoon.
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