Gold medal Kookaburra in Gympie

HE has Olympic gold and bronze and is an integral part of the Australian men's hockey side, but Brent Livermore believes in sharing his knowledge with kids.

Kookaburra Brent Livermore training Gympie's Lucy Corbet. Picture: Codey Warhurst

HE has Olympic gold and bronze, has played 300 games for his country and is an integral part of the Australian men's hockey side, but Brent Livermore believes in sharing his knowledge with country kids.

Livermore was in Gympie on the weekend holding coaching clinics for young Gympie hockey talent and was impressed with the players the region had on offer.

He had just got off the plane from Germany where he and his fellow Australian team mates had competed at the Hamburg Masters.

He said the tournament was preparation for the Kookaburra's Champions Trophy assault later in the year and Hockey World Cup in 2010.

Australia won the tournament, beating the current Olympic Champions Germany 6-2 in a one sided affair.

“We smashed them,” Livermore said.

The midfielder said he was happy with his and the Kookaburras' form on tour.

“We won seven of the nine matches and won the final easily,” he said.

Livermore said coming to Gympie was a good opportunity to get out in to the country areas and pass on his knowledge and experience to kids.

“If they can pick up some new skills it is good for everyone,” he said.

Livermore is currently setting up a development program and hopes to come back to Gympie three or four times a year to coach all ages and levels of hockey player.

“I am hoping to coach coaches, parents and players, from beginners to advanced.”

Gympie Hockey Association president Ian Wenzel said Livermore's visit to Gympie was very successful.

“The training was motivational for the kids who participated,” Wenzel said.

“Hopefully it will inspire the players to chase their hockey dreams, especially with the state championships coming up on the school holidays. He related to kids well and relayed ideas and concepts in a clear, concise manner.

“You could see the kids implementing the skills into their game.

“We are looking forward to having him back and lock him into a proper development program.”

Originally published as Gold medal Kookaburra in Gympie