It does not matter whether it rains or shines, indoor hockey offers year round uninterrupted competition.

Faster than outdoor hockey and often more intense, the two sports are obviously related but offer completely different aspects and require a variety of skills.

And while schools offer indoor hockey, there is also a club available in a similar vein to the Umhlali Impis for outdoor hockey.

The Pro Series Indoor (PSI) Durban franchise hosts termly clinics at Ashton International College Ballito’s indoor centre for kids aged U7-U14.

These clinics are a perfect introduction into indoor hockey and help to set up a young player for inter-provincial PSI competitions (including players up until U18), which are held once a year.

“It is such a good time for the kids who come along, both at the clinics and tournament,” said PSI Durban franchise owner and Ballito resident, Greg White.

“So many of the players who have come through the system report making lifelong friends through the PSI banner.”

That aside from ex-PSI players who have gone on to represent South Africa, including White’s son Nicholas who will play with the national indoor team at the African Cup of Nations later this year.

The PSI to Protea pathway has now become well established, with at least 45 players going on to earn senior national colours.

“I genuinely think there’s something special with the way the PSI works,” said White.

“Obviously competition is important but there’s an intangible aspect to it that keeps people coming back into the fold. If players don’t continue competitively, they often come back as coaches to stay involved.”

Long term, White hopes to be able to find a dedicated PSI facility on the North Coast, but for now it is about getting as many kids to play the sport he loves as possible.

There are generally six or seven clinics per term hosted on Friday nights at Ashton.

The second term dates are almost completed, with the third to be published on the @psidurban Instagram page soon.

You can find out more about dates, costs and how to get involved via that page or at psihockey.co.za/kwazulu-natal.