Dozens of new generation hockey players are taking centre stage in the next ten days at the second annual Peter Feasby Celebration Trophy tournament.

Children at 28 City of York primary schools have been given their first taste of hockey in the last few weeks to give them enough skills and know-how to play a tournament.

The competition is the brainchild of Lisa Feasby, widow of former Robert Wilkinson Primary School headteacher and keen hockey player Peter, who died suddenly in June 2004 aged 48.

Together with around ten other coaches from City of York Hockey Club, Lisa has been leading sessions in schools with funding help from the ActivYork partnership.

Ten more schools are involved this year, taking the total to 28, meaning a play-off day to narrow the teams down for the finals on October 14.

Ten teams will play-off at the University this Friday (October 7), nine at Huntington School - both between 4pm-6pm - with the remaining nine battling it out at Oaklands School between 3.30pm-5.30pm.

Last year's winners were, fittingly, Mr Feasby's former school Robert Wilkinson, and a fresh crop will be aiming to repeat that success.

SPORTING youngsters in York are being urged to cash in on their success.

York and District Sports Federation has secured additional cash for its Fund For The Gifted.

More than £2,900 is available for the scheme through the 12 City of York Council ward committees.

The money is available to upcoming sports stars to enable them to finance equipment and competition expenses.

Applicants must be aged 18 and under and be resident or attend a school in York.

They may receive up to three Fund for the Gifted awards until they are 18 or before progressing to national awards level.

Application forms are available from Paul Reed, 7 Foresters Walk, Foxwood Lane, York, YO24 3LG. Tel 01904 793747 or e-mail

hazel@hazel.fsbusiness.co.uk

Applications must also include a recommendation from a supporting coach.

Club membership of the Federation is £10 a year. Inquiries should be made to secretary Nick Blitz on 01904 768606 or e-mail

Nick.Blitz@york-england.eclipse.co.uk

Updated: 11:06 Wednesday, October 05, 2005