The Hockeytots sessions recently trialed have provided a fun, and pressure free environment for a small group of young children aged 3-5 to be introduced to the basics of hockey, and sport in general.

Hockeytots was delivered by Women's first team, and former junior international player Zoe Wimshurst, with each child accompanied by a responsible parent or adult to ensure a safe and relaxed environment.

The sessions have covered basic hockey skills such as how to hold the stick, pushing the ball, dribbling, and turning the stick over. These hockey elements were seamlessly intertwined with a number of other fun games which encouraged development of gross motor actions, as well as other key skills such as following instructions, independence, and listening.

The sessions have certainly been varied, with not just sticks, balls and cones being used, but also hula hoops, tunnels, bean bags and balloons to keep the children engaged and challenged.

Hockeytots has been very well received by not only the children, but the parents also. Catherine Roberts said "My daughter has been very keen to play hockey ever since her older brother started playing a couple of years ago".

"Hockeytots has given her an opportunity to try out a sport that she would otherwise had to wait another couple of years for. I have been really impressed by the activities and coaching style. The way that Zoe has delivered the sessions has really engaged my daughter, and given her the confidence to give things a go, even if she isn't always sure at first."

The overwhelming emphasis of the sessions was that every child is there to have fun, and was free to participate in as much or as little as they liked in a low pressure environment.

The enthusiasm and excitement that the sessions are delivered with has been reflected by the children as parent Zena Johns explains "Our son really looks forward to Saturday mornings. We knew he was keen to join his Daddy on a hockey pitch, but we weren't prepared for being woken up before 7am every week, by a child dressed, ready and asking us to put his shin pads on!"

Now that the initial six week trial has completed, Portsmouth are looking at ways to continue delivering Hockeytots sessions. Anyone keen to participate, or help with coaching should contact Alf Wimshurst.