Hockey Victoria will introduce J-Ball with a come-and-try session at Llanberris athletics centre on Friday from 7pm.

This will lead into an eight-week season from Friday, April 27.

Hockey Victoria chief executive officer Andrew Skillern said J-Ball was for anyone wanting to taste a new and exciting format of the game.

He said the game was based on fun, fitness and social inclusion across a range of age groups.

“It’s been created for everyone, regardless of age, gender or ability.”

Skillern said Hockey Victoria, with the support of Vic Health, had taken charge of the initiative to drive change.

“J-Ball is designed around engaging opportunities where people can interact with strangers, friendships can grow stronger and families can spend more time together.

“It’s a bold, safe, exhilarating format based on free-flowing social hockey,” he said.

The modified game will be played with plastic sticks and a softer ball.

“We want to give people a format they can be excited about and enjoy with their friends, family or even on their own.

“The rules are simple and it’s designed around fun and participation,” Skillern said.

Organisers will take team or individual entries.

Ballarat was chosen with Geelong and the Surf Coast as venues to launch J-Ball.

are among the others.

Skillern said. said the average age for J-Ball was 32, highlighting its ability to cater for a wide range of ages.

“It also shows us we have a great game people can play for life. It’s about making it easier to try or return to sport without having to get fit.”