More than 60 Year 3 and 4 pupils from four schools took part in a hockey festival hosted by Tynedale School Games and Tynedale Hockey Club at QEHS and Tynedale Hockey Club.
The Tuesday morning event gave children from Acomb First, Sele First, St Mary’s Catholic First and St Matthew’s Catholic Primary the chance to try hockey for the first time. Organisers said the festival was designed to help pupils make a new active memory, despite grey and damp weather.
Older pupils lead activities
A team of 24 sport leaders and hockey players from Hexham Middle School and QEHS welcomed the visiting children. Their role was to encourage participation, provide coaching tips and ensure the activities remained enjoyable for the younger pupils.
The Year 3 and 4 children were divided into eight groups and rotated between different activities. The festival ended with a small-sided game, which was managed, coached and refereed by the older students.
‘Everyone can have fun’
Hexham Middle School described the young leaders as enthusiastic and thoughtful, highlighting their focus on making sure the first-school pupils had fun throughout the session.
The school said the event was a success, with the younger children reporting that they had enjoyed the experience. Its account also emphasised the positive example set by the older pupils, who supported the participants through the activities and games.
The festival was presented as an opportunity for children to become active, learn the basics of hockey and take part in a team setting. The school concluded its report with the values “Respect. Engage. Aspire.”