YOUNGSTERS in schools across Carmarthenshire are being encouraged to make the most of school sporting opportunities and try their hand at hockey.

The Sports Council for Wales Dragon Sport programme - Wales biggest drive to get primary school children playing extra-curricular sport from across the nation the chance to sharpen their stick skills and take on some top tackling tips.

David Griffiths, National Performance Coach for Welsh Hockey, hopes that more boys and girls will take up the sport and feed the senior squad with a wealth of talent in years to come.

He said: Not only a fun team sport to play with your friends, for boys as well as girls, hockey improves co-ordination and agility, and all that running up and down the pitch means its great for fitness too.

Its an exciting sport to be part of and there are plenty of opportunities, for promising players to progress.

Dragon Sport co-ordinator Carl Daniels said: Giving children positive experiences of sport at an early age can help shape their future habits and encourages them to follow a healthier, more active lifestye.

Dragon Sport has been operating successfully all over Wales with nearly 12,000 children taking part in hockey sessions last year. In Carmarthenshire, 29 primary and junior schools have already taken part in hockey sessions since October 2000. Funded by the National Lottery, the scheme focuses on seven sports, including athletics, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rugby and tennis.

If you are in primary school and want to find out more about Dragon Sport, contact Carl Daniels on 01554 747513 / 07900 570432 or check out
www.dragon-sport.co.uk