Young hockey players enjoy Festival success

They were enthusiastically supported by their coaches, parent helpers, volunteers and many parents who braved the worsening weather conditions throughout the morning to ensure the event was a huge success.

Young enthusiasts aged eight to 12, from Fjordhus Reivers Earlston, Fjordhus Reivers Hawick, KYDS Berwickshire, Selkirk minis, Fjordhus Reivers Jedburgh, and Kelso minis, were playing in competitive matches and taking the opportunity to demonstrate the learning which has been going on in their respective Participation centres.

Borders hockey is currently thriving at all ages and stages, and Borders Hockey Development officer Janet Jack explained: “It is an exciting time for hockey in the region and I feel privileged to be involved in this upsurge and regeneration in the sport at every level.”

Some excellent hockey was on show at the Festival, but just as important was the sense of team spirit, fun and good sportsmanship.

Janet added: “It was a tremendous morning of U12 hockey.

“There was loads of support and it was lots of fun – even in the driving rain.”

Pictures, by Jonathan Noble, show the young hockey devotees in action.