Youngsters hone skills in Fort club’s street league

Shinty was right at home at An Aird last Wednesday night when around 70 primary school-aged children tried out their skills at the weekly Fort William Shinty Club Street League.

The idea behind the league is to encourage young people to get outside to exercise while teaching them the rules and skills of the game, which may result in future players.

Organised by Fort William Shinty Club Development Officer Willie MacDonald, such was the turnout at the first session, that for week two he drafted in extra coaches - Ian Kennedy, John Macleod, Richard Shaw and Adi Robertson - to help with each age group, along with Maddison MacMillan and Emma Kennedy who gave extra assistance with the P3/4 section.

Each group were introduced to some basic skills using the stick, agility and outline rules of the game, before taking the field with enthusiastic play.

Everyone taking part was presented with a free water bottle by Off Beat Bikes to keep them hydrated. Part of the project was financed by Mowi through their Children and Young Person Development Fund.

Willie MacDonald told the Lochaber Times: 'The Street League takes place every Wednesday evening between 6pm and 8pm and is free for all children from P1 to P7.

'It is proving to be very popular. I was amazed at the length of the queue waiting to get in for the first week and it was just as busy at the second.

'There is obviously a huge demand and we would welcome donations of suitable equipment including sticks and helmets.'

For more information contact Willie on fortshintydevelopmentofficer@gmail.com or call 07788585850.