A scheme to attract children to the sport of ice hockey is proving successful in Ryde.

Pupils from Oakfield School in Ryde have been getting their skates on and learning about ice hockey thanks to a scheme pioneered by the Wightlink Raiders .

Island ice hockey player Toby Cooley has been visiting the school to talk to pupils about the sport, and those showing an interest have been invited to the rink to learn the basics.

The Wightlink Raiders are keen to inspire young people to get involved in the sport from an early age so that local talent can be nurtured and developed. Currently many of the Wightlink Raiders come from the mainland and it is hoped more Islanders will get involved thanks to this scheme.

Geoff Underwood, Director of Wightlink Raiders said:

“Wightlink Raiders play in one of the top leagues in the UK, and the most successful teams all have a strong local development programme. By supporting our youngsters today, then they have the opportunity of becoming some of the top ice hockey players in this country.” 

Players are currently volunteering their time to run the scheme which promotes fitness, dedication and teamwork, with ice time costs being sponsored by Wightlink Ferries.

The work with Oakfield School is pilot scheme, with a view to it being rolled out to all schools in the future through the National Healthy Schools Programme which is overseen by the council’s Children’s Services Department.

Isle of Wight Councillors, Cllr Alan Wells and Cllr George Cameron are meeting with members of Wightlink Raiders to see how the scheme is benefiting the children that would not normally get the opportunity to try during school sports lessons.

Cllr Alan Wells, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for children and young people said:

“I am looking forward to meeting with the children and players involved in the scheme and learning how they have benefited from taking part in the scheme.

We hope the scheme will be expanded to schools across the Island through the National Healthy Schools Programme which aims to promote social inclusion and healthy behaviours, reduce health inequalities and raise the achievement of children and young people.”