BORDERS Hockey Development's eighth annual Festival of Hockey took place at the weekend.

And once again it was hailed as a resounding success with 113 games, featuring around 400 players, taking place over the three days.

On the Friday evening there was a goalkeepers coaching clinic with Ian Chapman from Edinburgh.

Ian delivered an inspirational workshop for 11 young goalkeepers of the future.

On the Saturday morning Under 12 players from the region's participation centres played out a competitive six-aside tournament where competition is encouraged and positive attitude and applying effort is rewarded by positive feedback from coaches and supporters.

Borders hockey development officer Janet Jack told us: "This was a fantastic showcase of fun hockey, with many of the young players experiencing team hockey against other clubs from Edinburgh and the Borders for the first time.

"On completion of the under 12 tournament, players were selected to be presented with Certificates of Merit by their club coaches for demonstrating hard work, enthusiasm and effort during training sessions throughout the year."

The players who received certificates were Orla Armitage, Iona Thomson, Brodie Lawson, Emma Stewart, Iona Taylor, Ailish Fairbairn, Freya Henderson, Connie Lightbody, Finlay Cleghorn , Alex Forrest, Iona Morozzo, Zoe Pearce, Keiran Douglas, Morven Peace, Jessica Damerell, Abigail Burns, Robyn Finn, Freya Hoawson, Hazel Heron, Ellie Lyons and Anna Dickson.

Borders Hockey Development Awards were also presented during Saturday by Claire Townsend.

The U12 Award went to Lily Byers as 'she is an absolute pleasure to coach and has huge potential'.

Emily Mitchell was presented with the U14 Award for 'never missing a session, giving 100 per cent in every session, and being a fantastic team player'.

The U16 Award went to Hannah Miller for her 'tireless effort in every session, incredible fitness and exceptionally hard work'.

Scotland age-group players Izzy Kyle and Tara Aitchison shared the U18 Award as both 'have worked exceptionally hard over the past few years'.

Callum Murray collected the Senior Player trophy for 'working hard at all training sessions and during every game'.

The Junior Coach Award went to Rhona Gowans for 'filling every session with fun and laughter while holding the respect of every child attending her sessions'.

David Fergusson was named as the Grassroots Coach for 'ensuring every player is encouraged and motivated and given an equal opportunity to develop'.

Senior Coach for 2017 was Andy MacLean for 'losing only one game throughout the season and winning East League 3'.

The 2017 Volunteer of the Year went to Jane Aitchison, who 'works tirelessly for the Borders Hockey Development Group and for the Fjordhus Reivers club'.

Dave Johnston was named as Umpire of the Year as he 'never turns down requests to umpire'.

Following the presentations it was the Family Fun six-aside tournament, which proved to be a huge success.

The weekend Festival concluded on Sunday with the mixed U14 Borders Hockey club tournament during the morning featuring 12 teams.

Fjordhus Reivers, Kelso (KYDS), Cala Edinburgh, Fidra, Dunbar, Erskine Stewarts Melville, Grange and Watsonians all played six matches each to decide the winner of the 2017 tournament.

CALA White and Fjordhus Reivers Rangers couldn't be split at the end with the same points, goals for and goal difference.

And organisers agreed to share the title between them.

To close the Festival on the Sunday afternoon, Borders Hockey held the U16 girls club tournament.

Fjordhus Reivers White, Kelso, Fjordhus Reivers Black, Fidra, Grange, CALA Blue Watsonians, CALA White, battled out an extremely tough tournament which saw some exceptional young talent perform magnificent hockey.

After two leagues were completed, it came down to the crossovers and again there was a tie with the same points, goals for and goals against, between Watsonians and Fjordhus Reivers black.

Again a decision was made to award joint winners.

Borders Hockey Development were also able to use the Tweedbank hub building to supply the hungry, thirsty and weary with refreshments.

Funds raised by thy contributions from the very generous hockey community were donated to the Scottish Hockey men’s team #bluesticks with their endeavour to raise funds to compete in the World League semi-finals in London this June.

A sum of £1000 was pledged to their fund and this was gratefully accepted by the men’s team.

Ms Jack added: "Thank you to everyone who bought a raffle ticket to win a hockey stick supplied by Gryphon and Zoppo, and also to all those who bought a burger, some home baking or a ticket for the Tombola.

"Borders Hockey would like to thank the many volunteers who helped make the event such a success.

"Those who assisted with umpiring and coaching the junior teams and to those who very generously donated raffle prizes, manned the BBQ, served behind the stalls and contributed generously."

Photograph

Back row, left to right

Andy MaLean, Callum Murray, David Fergusson, David Johnston, Jane Aitchison

Front row, Left to Right

Emily Mitchell, Abbie Aitchison, Izzy Kyle, Tara Aitchison, Rhona Gowans, Hannah Miller, Lily Byers