BORDERS hockey development officer Janet Jack believes the grassroots of the sport is growing in the region.
She commented after witnessing more than 120 children between the ages of seven and 12 take part in a junior hockey festival at Tweedbank on Sunday morning.
Jack said: “The festivals bring together the junior club sections of Kelso, Peebles, and Borders Fjordhus. The fine display of hockey, and the number of players participating in these events, continues to strengthen and broaden the base of the sport in the Borders, which is evident in the success of senior club and school hockey.
“The pathway through from junior to senior hockey both in school and clubs is reaping rewards, with no less than nine players in the Borders performing in national age-group levels.”
Organised by the hockey development team, the festival was supported by coaches, volunteers and many parents who braved the cold conditions.
The sides comprised of six to eight players, who participated in five highly-competitive games. Teams from Earlston (Eagles), Tweedbank (Tigers, Turtles and Terrapins), Hawick (Hawks and Hares), Selkirk (Sharks, Seals, Swans and Swordfish), Peebles (Penguins) and Kelso (Panthers, Pumas, Lions and Leopards) were represented and all showed high levels of skill, teamwork and sportsmanship.