A PROJECT is giving youngsters across Oxfordshire the chance to take part in street hockey sessions over the summer holidays.

The Sport for Streets Initiative has launched the scheme to get children more active during the summer.

The free sessions are designed to encourage youngsters to become more interested in hockey.

Charity manager Dave Edwards said the scheme – which started two weeks ago – was going well.

He said: “One of the charity trustees, Richard Gregory, who is a local businessman, made a £10,000 donation for the project and it has meant we have been able to hold eight sessions a week throughout the summer.

“The aim is to give opportunities to children throughout the summer holidays in their communities.

“The response has been overwhelming and we are hoping the different sites where the sessions are held will form teams that will compete in a league every week after the summer holidays.”

The charity has held sessions in Didcot, Abingdon, Witney, Cutteslowe, Yarnton, Headington, Marston and Northway.

Among those at the Cutteslowe session was six-year-old Ben Billington.

Mum Sally, from Cowley, said: “Ben absolutely loves it. The teachers are all absolutely wonderful; really enthusiastic and encouraging with all of the children that come along, no matter what their ability.”

Ben added: “I really enjoy hockey. I have been doing it for a year and I’m making new friends.”

Children as young as two have got involved in the sport, which requires participants to rollerblade on tarmac.

It is hoped by involving young people in sports, anti-social behaviour can be prevented as they get older.

The Oxfordshire-based charity was set up in 2012 and is renowned for its ambulance multisports “utility vehicle”.

The van is fitted with a TV, a PlayStation as well as a basketball net.

So far the charity has introduced street hockey to more than 14,000 young people, offered more than 600 youth outreach and community development sessions to neighbourhoods across Oxfordshire and run street hockey taster days in 46 schools.

At the end of the summer project, the charity is aiming to host a tournament on August 29 where each area forms a team and competes.

Mr Edwards added: “It’s about being positive in the community and encouraging young people to be positive.

“We knew the need was there after we had carried out sessions in schools and at after-school clubs.

“Street hockey is controlled, it’s safe and the youngsters have really enjoyed it.

“It’s been phenomenal, we have had more than 300 participants both girls and boys.”