* To develop and support these clubs on issues such as Rules and Safety, Club Management, Coaching and Refereeing including courses.

* The Prince’s Trust - Volunteers - delivering development programmes for 16-25 year olds which aim to build confidence, motivation and skills through teamwork in the community.* The Prince’s Youth Business Trust - provides start up capital, along with marketing and business support to young entrepreneurs aged 18-30 who cannot obtain traditional bank finance.

If you would like more information, contact The Prince’s Trust on 0800 842842.

Currently there are several programmes which will allow you to learn the basic skills required in playing Hockey on skates.

 The Trust provides:* Training - Superstart - for those aged 16-17 who are at risk & Recharge - for 18-25 year olds who are long term unemployed.* Education - Study Support Centres to help young people develop their skills outside of classroom hours.* Grants - to young people 14-25 to help them achieve something positive - Individuals up to £800 and £2500 for a group.

HOCKEY BASICS:- The Sports Centre in Basingstoke Town Centre has a regular Saturday lunchtime session for younger newcomers to Hockey on Roller Blades. If you are aged between 8 and 12 a team of fully qualified EIHA coaches will guide you through the basics including skating, stick and puck or ball control and allow you to develop team skills.

All you need to bring are your skates, gloves and a street hockey stick if you have one, some equipment may be available for loan.

Time 12.30 - 1.30pm at The Sports Centre

Cost £2.00 per session or £1.55 with a Leisure Card

BASIC HOCKEY GAMEPLAY:- For older or more experienced bladers there is a Saturday afternoon Game Play Session under supervision where you can learn even more in specially organised non-contact games sessions. This is aimed at the 13-16 age group and all that is required for participation in this session are Skates, Stick, Gloves and a Helmet.

Time 1.30 - 3.00pm at the Sports Centre

Cost £2.75 per session or £2.30 with a Leisure Card.

For more details contact the Sports Centre on 01256 326331.

ICE HOCKEY BASICS:- for 8-16 year olds takes place at the Ice Rink every week from September to May. Bring along your skates and learn how to skate, stick and puck control and Ice Hockey team skills under the watchful eye of fully trained coaches. Some equipment is available for loan during the sessions.

For further details of times and costs, call the Ice Rink on 01256 355266.

SCHOOLS COACHING:- If you can’t get to one of these sessions then perhaps the coaches can come to you at your school. There are currently 2 successful, established programmes in place covering a number of Junior and Senior Schools in the area and being run by fully qualified EIHA (English Ice Hockey Association) coaches.

All the school has to do is to arrange a group of 20 pupils for a series of sessions of 1-hour duration for a 10-week term at a mutually agreeable time with the coach and the programme can begin. Players will learn basic skating skills along with stick and ball control and team play. Limited numbers of sticks, helmets and gloves may be available for some sessions.

Cost £20.00 per pupil per programme.

=£2.00 per session

If you are a more advanced or older skater the following clubs look forward to hearing from you.

Winklebury Skater Hockey Club:- Formed in January1997, the club offers children from 9-16 years the opportunity to learn and play skating hockey. The club owns some equipment so all you need is a stick and a pair of skates to start. Coaching sessions and matches are organised regularly

Basingstoke & District Street Hockey League:- Street Hockey is non-contact and played with the basic safety equipment, helmet & gloves. For more details or to enter a team:-

Basingstoke Bullets Skater Hockey Club:- Skater Hockey is the most established of all off-ice disciplines. The main differences are that we play with a ball, 4 outfield players and no off-side. Although our sport is full contact, rules are far stricter than Ice Hockey thus reducing injuries and fighting.

Basingstoke Ice Hockey Club:- For more details on how to join the Basingstoke Ice Hockey Club.

Contact Karen Bridges

Basingstoke Jackals Rink Hockey Club:- Rink Hockey is the closest sport to Ice Hockey, played with a puck and most Ice Hockey rules (except icing). The Rink Hockey League is affiliated to the BIHA ensuring full insurance for all players, referees and coaches. Games are 4 on 4 with 3 x 20 minute periods.

Contact Rob Holding