STOURPORT Hockey Club launched its new junior academy on Friday at the club's pitches on the Kingsway in the town.

The opening session was attended by more than 30 children from clubs and schools in the surrounding area.

They benefited from the coaching of Pakistani Olympic hockey player Imran Yousaf, Midlands regional development manager and level three coach Steve Floyd as well as Midland under 14 and level two coaches Mark Moss and Ben Dudley.

The youngsters were able to try out brand new equipment funded by the academy, such as balls, ladders, hurdles and other kit.

The academy is the product of a Sportsmatch application after Towergate tlc Ltd agreed to fund the other half of the project.

The aim of the academy is to adopt the single system for hockey' approach proposed by the governing body, England Hockey.

The single system has been designed to develop a uniform approach to player development.

The idea is that players, through individual development plans and assessment, can achieve their potential in hockey.

The academy, which will be running for a further seven Fridays from 6pm to 8pm, is available to players aged from eight to 21-years-old and it doesn't matter whether they are new to hockey or are simply looking to improve their game.

The club hope to build on the numbers of children attending the academy with further publicity and the launch of a website.

For more information, contact academy director Mark Moss on markrmoss@aol.com or 07743-886297.