Players pitch in to host children’s summer hockey camp
The future of youth hockey on Arran looks promising after more than 70 children attended a three-day hockey camp.
Organised by Arran Ladies Hockey Club and Arran Junior Hockey Club, they provided experienced coaches and players to tutor the children.
The three-day event took place at the Ormidale astroturf where two training sessions were held each day, one for children aged between five and seven years old and the other for eight to 12-year-olds.
Players from Arran Ladies Hockey Club coached the children on ball and foot control, agility, passing and attacking, as well as a number of activities aimed at making the children feel more comfortable with the stick.
Throughout the event, Arran hockey players volunteered their time and visited the camp to teach the small groups of children the various rules, skills and tips and tricks required to play hockey well.
Among the coaches were youth leaders 10-year-old Kellen Craig, who organised a fun game of hockey golf and 11-year-old Kayla Hewie, who provided coaching aimed at improving the children’s ball and stick control skills.
The youth developmental camp provided the youngsters with a fun outdoor activity during the school holidays. It will also help promote hockey on Arran which has gained a huge amount of publicity owing to the success of the Arran Ladies Hockey Club which competes in the West District Women’s Hockey League.
On the final day of hockey camp, prizegivings were held after the morning and afternoon sessions where everyone involved was given a medal and a certificate.
Several special prizes were also handed out. In the five to seven years group, the sportsmanship award went to Fiona Dick. Most improved player awards went to Emily Bourne, Penny Ferguson and Robert Dick.
In the eight to 12 years group, the sportsmanship award was presented to Corey Bunyan, Ruby MacArthur and Finn Popplewell. Most improved players were Nadia Filipkowska, Peter Mochan, Noah Scott, Eva McCrae and Harris McCormack.
The summer hockey camp was sponsored by Duncan Heenan of Duncan’s at the Burlington in Whiting Bay and the Co-op in Brodick supplied water and treats for the children.