IDEALLY, the widest range of sports should be on offer initially to schoolchildren, so that each individual can discover his/her metier and appreciate the feelings and skills of others. An enterprising example in the broadening of outlooks took place last term when Castle Park School Dalkey, with a hockey tradition, played - and defeated - neighbouring Harold Boys NS in a game of (ground) hurling.
Yet, human nature decrees that each sport must fight its own corner to survive and propagate. Thus, the Leinster Branch of the Irish Hockey Union is staging a seminar in the Mount Herbert "Hotel, Sandymount, next Tuesday (7.15) dealing with the development and structure of the game in schools and at youth level in clubs. No doubt, the success of the province's boys teams last season has helped to increase promotional drive.
Speakers at the seminar, catering for both boys' and girls' hockey, will include Olympic Games umpire Ray O'Connor and leading coaches Trevor Watkins, Helen Buckley and Gina Menzies.
The chairman, Stuart Margetson, expects a fully representative attendance, especially school and club coaches, with, say, figures such as Carl Collinge, headmaster of Castle Park, exemplifying enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, it is significant to reflect on the commitment required of a young player to make it to the top. Ireland's freshest international, 18 year old Chris Jackson of Annadale and Ulster, will have spent 14 weekends this summer with his fellow all amateur squad members in preparing for the World Cup preliminary qualifying tournament in Cagliari.
