Special taster days in two of the island’s secondary schools should encourage children to take up sport.

The days were organised for pupils at Castle Rushen High School in Castletown and at Ramsey Grammar School.

The sessions offered a 45-minute taster of six sports and targeted the children, all aged 11 to 12, who started secondary school earlier this month.

Gianni Epifani, senior sports development officer with Manx Sport and Recreation, said: ’At both schools, pupils tried sports they might not have taken part in before, in rotation, under the instruction of volunteer coaches from community clubs.

’The clubs that took part are all keen to attract new members and it’s hoped pupils will sign up as a result of the day.

’Students went home with booklets detailing information on training times and contacts for the clubs involved.’

The Southern Six event, staged for a third year, saw Castle Rushen pupils try their hand at hockey, rugby, netball, badminton, golf, and judo.

At Ramsey, a new Northern Six event featured hockey, rugby, netball, badminton, golf, and table tennis.

Mr Epifani said he hoped the taster sessions would encourage more young people to take up sport in the community, leading to lifelong hobbies and friendships.

He added: ’Taking part in community sport has great social, as well as physical and mental health, benefits and encouraging people to take up sport as a pastime is part of our 10-year strategy to get more people, more active, more often.

’Many of those who join community clubs when young find they have a fulfilling hobby for life, forge friendships and go on to coach and encourage others.’

For information on joining sports clubs, contact Mr Epifani on 688556 or email [email protected].