Hackney schoolchildren try a taster session at Tri-Golf Festival to promote activity

Hosted at Queensbridge Sport & Community Centre, more than 80 local youngsters had the chance to enjoy a fun, exciting introduction to the sport led by qualified PGA coaches.

The Tri-Golf Skills Festival teed off with groups of children tackling eight different games that highlighted various sporting skills and techniques.

As well as an introduction to golf itself, the enthusiastic youngsters also benefited from the opportunity to build vital life skills such as respect, teamwork and co-operation.

Designed for children of all abilities that would not normally have access to the sport, the initiative aims to give children and young people opportunities to experience golf and its benefits.

The successful event is to be the first of many that offer skills development – both sporting and social – to young people within the borough of Hackney.

Sessions will be introduced at Lee Valley Golf Course to allow more children to get a taster of the sport, whilst local schools will be provided with the training and resources to enable teachers, coaches and volunteers to spread the programme knowledge within the community.

James Hetherington, Golf manager at Vibrant Partnerships, said: “Vibrant Partnerships and Lee Valley Regional Park Authority were delighted to support the London Borough of Hackney Council’s Tri-Golf Festival.

“It’s vital for children to have access and engage in new sporting activities that they may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience.

“We hope this is just a first of many golfing events in and around the borough.”

Daisy Brierley, from the Golf Foundation, added: “It is great that Hackney delivered a successful Tri-Golf Skills Festival, and with the support from Lee Valley this event was a memorable day for the young people taking part.

“With few golf facilities in the local area it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the sport and what it has to offer all ages.”