University aims to train future hockey stars

University sports stars are running a series of training sessions to get more North East youngsters to play hockey.

Durham University students, in partnership with England Hockey, will be staging Hockey Heroes – a sixweek coaching programme for children aged five to eight – later this month.

The six-week programme offers coaching, teamwork and communication skills and no previous experience of the game is required.

The sessions will begin on October 20 and run for six consecutive Sundays, from 10am to 11am.

The cost of the course is £32 per child, which includes two hockey sticks, a personalised T-shirt, a ball and stickers.

Numbers are limited and pre-registration is required. Children taking part will benefit from the new and improved facilities at Durham University Sports and Wellbeing Park, including two new hockey pitches.

Mark Brian, Head of Sport and Physical Activity at Durham University, said: “We have one of the most vibrant student sport communities of any university in the UK and it’s great that so many of our athletes are passionate about sharing their skills with local children.

“We’re pleased to be working with England Hockey on the Hockey Heroes initiative and excited to be using our new and improved hockey facilities. We can’t wait to get started and hope many children will join in.”

Durham University also hosts Durham Hockey Juniors in partnership with Durham City Hockey Club.

For more information or to get involved, email: junior. hockey@durham.ac.uk