A BECKENHAM hockey club has launched a development side for young players following a spike in interest in the sport following the Olympics.

New Beccehamian HC, whose home ground is at HSBC Sports and Social Club in Lennard Road, has been able to increase its number of men’s teams from three to four this season.

The new side, which plays in the Kent Open League, is for the development of young male players aged 13 and over.

And they the season off to a great start with a 4-1 away win at Gillingham Anchorians.

Club treasurer Adrian Russell-Smith said: “We had a lot of interest from lads at schools after the Olympics.

“We want to introduce them to the adult game as early as possible, so they can quickly move up to our higher teams.”

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