BLACK STICKS BALL KIDS: Zen Dodunski and Alex Shearman were two of 12 hockey players in Taranaki to assist with the Black Sticks test series against Malaysia in December. The two were the only hockey players from Stratford to be invited to participate as ball kids during the test series. Both Zen and Alex have played hockey at a regional level and were thrilled to be invited to participate. "As well as assisting during games we had a chance to meet the players which was exciting," says Alex. Zen says, "It was awesome to be recognised by Taranaki Hockey. I would love to do something like this again."

Kids given invite