Club member Kent Walsh said both men and women had played the sport in Horsham for nearly 10 years.

But underwater hockey is about 50 years old.

The British Navy invented the sport in the 1950s to keep its divers fit and to improve their ability to work efficiently underwater.

Games are played at Horsham Aquatic Centre from 7pm to 8pm each Tuesday.

Walsh said the sport started in Horsham in the summer of 2003-2004 in Horsham War Memorial Swimming Pool.

"But it was a bit patchy playing outdoors; we could only play three or four months a year,'' he said.

''Now we play year round."

Walsh said Horsham originally had four to six players, but now the club averaged up to eight.

"But that doesn't make a full team," he said.

"I recruit people all the time, but we are always looking for new members as people come and go."

Walsh said that currently, only men played.

"But we have played against a state and international women's side before and we got thrashed," he said.

"Underwater hockey is open to everyone."

Walsh said although anyone could play, people needed to wear the correct protective gear to prevent injury.

He said underwater hockey required a mask with safety glass, a non-metal, pliable snorkel, pliable underwater hockey fins without clips and an underwater hockey stick.

Players also needed a cap with ear protectors, and mouth guards, although optional, were recommended.

Walsh said there were about 200 players in the state and international league and there were underwater hockey sides in Ballarat, Geelong, Wonthaggi and in Melbourne.

He said Horsham club founder Daryl French had played for Australia and so had another former player.

"Daryl has run training sessions for us and for Wimmera schools," Walsh said.

"Daryl works at the Department of Primary Industries, so quite a few of our players are from there and I got involved through word of mouth.

"I hadn't played hockey before, but I had done some scuba diving and a work mate thought I would be interested in playing.

"Underwater hockey is diverse, it's a good team sport, it's interesting and it's a good all-round workout."

Walsh said people could call him on 0419 369 921 or visit www.auf.com.au/ for more information.