Grant aids hockey initiatives (From Barry And District News)

Grant aids hockey initiatives

A £5,500 grant will help launch a wide range of hockey initiatives across the Vale of Glamorgan.

A joint programme involving the Vale council, Welsh Hockey Union and local schools and clubs, the Vale Hockey Forum will focus on increased training and competitive opportunities for youngsters of all abilities.

The Sports Council for Wales lottery grant has already helped instigate a number of initiatives including:

training sessions for under-11 and under-13 boys and girls at the new artificial turf pitches at the Holm View Centre, Barry, on Thursdays (5-6pm) and similar sessions for under-15 girls at the Colcot Sports Centre, Barry, on Thursdays (6.15-7.15pm)

Vale hockey development officer Chris Marriott, who is also the Wales under-18 team coach, is delighted with the Sports Council for Wales lottery grant, and said: "I'm so pleased with how successful we have been in such a short space of time, with between 20 to 30 young players attending training sessions.

"All the staff coaches try to make sessions as much fun as possible.

"I hope this success story will continue and we develop into a really strong club."

The club has entered teams into WHU competitions at under-11, under-13 and under-15 levels, and Chris added: "I can't wait to see them all playing in matches after Christmas. "The grant will enable us to provide new equipment and new team kits so, hopefully, we'll look as good as we play!"

Attending the first training session, which coincided with the opening of the new Holm View pitches, Cllr Tony Hampton, Cabinet Member (Lifelong Learning and Education), said: "Hockey is a very exciting game, and I'm pleased to see our young people being given the opportunity to get involved and to play on these fantastic new training pitches at Holm View."

Anyone aged between six and 15 years who would like to be involved can turn up at the Holm View or Colcot centres on Thursday evenings; all abilities are welcome. Hockey sticks are also available.

Further information can be obtained from Chris Marriott at the Vale Sports Development Unit on (01446) 704754 or 07976 112357.