An initiative aimed at developing young hockey talent in Lancashire has received a major boost with endorsement from England Hockey.
The Red Rose Raiders Programme, launched earlier this year, offers elite-level training to young athletes and is designed to support those who narrowly missed out on county team selection.
The programme’s promotional video was backed by England Hockey, marking a significant show of support for the grassroots development initiative.
Organisers say the Red Rose Raiders Programme provides a much-needed alternative to sedentary screen time, promoting physical activity, teamwork, and skill development among young players.
The first tournament under the initiative is scheduled for Sunday.
England Hockey coach Sharron Bolton will attend the event, joined by coaching colleagues Lisa Brown and Steve Allday.
Their participation underscores the programme’s commitment to delivering high-quality coaching to promising young athletes.
The initiative aims to close the gap for players who show potential but were not selected for county-level teams, offering them continued development and the opportunity to reach higher levels of competition.