JUNIOR hockey players are celebrating after netting a cash grant they hope will send their success levels soaring.
The team, which is based at Slazengers Sports Club in Addingford, has been given 750 from the community chest grants scheme.
Coaches and players at the team have used the cash to buy a state-of-the-art machine which automatically fires out hockey balls.
Alan Perry, vice-chairman of the junior hockey section, hopes it will make a big difference to weekly coaching sessions.
He said: “First of all it delivers the balls at a constant speed and in the same direction.
“It also has a setting where it can rotate and fire out balls in different directions at the same speed.
“It will allow us to set up exercises where, although it might not be true to the game of hockey, it gives the player a much better chance of being able to develop their skills by practising repetitive actions.
“And it will be a big benefit to the coaches. They can set up the machine and leave the players to practise.”
The community chest grant was approved at Wakefield Council’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday, February 9.
The club is currently on the look-out for new players aged up to 12 to boost its junior team.
Mr Perry, 42, said: “You don’t need any previous experience at all – we can teach you all the skills.”
Anyone interested should go to the weekly training sessions on Sunday mornings at the club, on
Southfield Lane or log on to www.slazenger hc.co.uk
Southfield Lane or log on to www.slazenger hc.co.uk
From Horburytoday
