Victor Tomlinson, president of the Jamaica Hockey Federation (JHF), said that even though he is optimistic about the future of hockey in Portmore, there are direct challenges that face his organisation.

Tomlinson was speaking after the successful conclusion of a recent summer camp.

"We now face a number of challenges. One is to coach the coaches so that they can teach the students at the introductory level, and another challenge is to host Saturday clinics for interested youngsters, and last but not least is to source enough equipment to continue the programme."

Serious programme

He estimated that it will cost about half million dollars to have a serious programme in Portmore catering for 200 youngsters, and is calling on corporate sponsors in Portmore to give a helping hand.

A junior hockey stick costs approximately $1,500 each, and balls another $400 each, while protective gear, such as pads, will make it a heavy financial burden on the JHF.

Tomlinson said he will be getting assistance from an international source but this will not be enough to adequately run the programme.

Nearly 200 students from five schools, namely Independence City, Belmont, Naggo Head, Waterford and Bridgeport primary, participated in the programme, while, on the final day, nearly 100 athletes went in search of glory in the one-day tournament co-sponsored by the JHF alongside Mother's food franchise.

He added: "I am impressed with the skill levels of the youngsters, at least half a dozen of these players can walk into a coaching programme," he said while adding that his association will need to have specialised training programmes for physical education teachers at these schools in Portmore.

"It was a successful three weeks, as we were pleasantly surprised with the interest shown by the youngsters during the summer camp," Tomlinson said.

The summer camp climaxed on Friday, July 31, with the playing of a 3-on-3 one-day tournament. Naggo Head Primary won the boys' section, while host school Waterford took the girls' category.