The weekly clinics follow a three-week introductory program run in term three for primary school-age children.

Association president Chris Thompson said junior development received a heightened priority with the consolidation of existing competitions after the introduction of synthetic turf in Warrnambool.

"You have to have that critical number that allows you to remain viable and we're keen to build that up," Thompson said.

"You can't progress without growth."

Thompson said the term-three program involved more than 50 children by the third session. Its focus was come 'n' try, with participants broken into small groups and coached in basic skills.

The latest sessions are designed to progress skills work to half-field games with modified rules.

"We've appointed a junior development officer and he's been co-ordinating this," Thompson said.

"In the first term of 2010 we will be running further programs connected to junior development, which will be a further expansion on our programs from this year.

"Jason will be going into primary schools and helping PE teachers to understand the game better and teaching kids the game's fundamentals.

"A desirable aim for us is to have a primary schools competition.

"If we can get enough interest from primary school children we'll look running a tier under the under 14 competition with modified rules."

Thompson announced other junior development initiatives, including December 10 clinics run by Australian players Jamie Dwyer, Mark Knowles and Luke Doerner.

A Hockey Victoria road show is also set to roll into Warrnambool during the first school term next year which will assist with the city's junior programs.

"I'm passionate about the sport and a lot of other people are also," Thompson said.

"We just like to see the game flourish. We have a small but solid following in regional Victoria."