MORE than 100 students from Years 5, 6 and 7 from 10 schools, both primary and secondary, took part in the annual ‘In2Hockey skills day’.

This was hosted by Budmouth College, in collaboration with Weymouth Hockey Club and was held on the artificial pitch at Redlands Sports Hub.

Organiser Jo Ray (Sports department) from Budmouth College said: “Following the continued success of ‘Team GB’ and the success of our previous In2Hockey festivals over the last few years, our aim was to continue to inspire young people to participate in this fun, exciting and dynamic game by helping them to develop their hockey skills and techniques.”

Many local primary schools were represented at this event, alongside Budmouth and Wey Valley Year 7 students.

The main coach for the day, Susie Stone (Level 3), led the pupils through a variety of hockey skills throughout the day, culminating in a mini tournament in the afternoon.

Stone said: “It was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic young people having fun and so keen to improve their hockey skills.”

Volunteers from Weymouth Hockey Club also gave up their time to assist in the coaching on the day as well as some young sports leaders from Budmouth College and Thomas Hardye School, who shared their own skills and knowledge throughout the day.

These young leaders are also members of Weymouth Hockey Club and have come up through the successful system of school/club links, having attended Weymouth minis hockey section.

Ray added: “It was a really successful day with lots of positive feedback from both staff and students.

“There were some very talented youngsters who we hope will continue to play hockey in their own schools and in the community.”

Weymouth’s mini-hockey coaching takes place on the artificial pitch at Redlands on Wednesday evenings at 6pm.

All abilities are very welcome to attend.

The adult section of the club are always welcoming new or returning players to the club.

Again all abilities are most welcome to come along – ladies train at 6.45pm on a Tuesday night and men train on a Wednesday night at 7pm.