MANCHESTER 2002 and English Hockey are looking for the North West's best young hockey squads to take part in a special selection day on January 20, 2002 to find two teams ready to take on the challenge of patrolling the lines at Commonwealth Games hockey matches from 26 July - 4 August 2002.

Local hockey clubs, sixth forms and colleges are invited to bring along squads that are over 16 on December 1, 2001 to Belle Vue, to put their skills to the test on 2 brand new water based international hockey pitches that have been prepared for the Commonwealth Games.

On the day, squad members will be put through their paces by Games hockey organisers to test their speed, ball skills, concentration, hockey knowledge and initiative, as the two teams selected for the Commonwealth Games Ball Patrol will play a vital role in ensuring the flow of crucial matches between some of the world best teams like Australia, New Zealand, England and Pakistan.

English Hockey International Kate Walsh from Stockport is delighted that local young hockey players are getting involved: "Hockey is extremely popular in the North West and I am really excited about playing in front of such massive home support at the Commonwealth Games next year. It is brilliant that local players can get involved in the Games in this way, I'm sure they will do a fantastic job on Ball Patrol,"

To find out more about your team attending the 'best of the best' ball patrol day at Belle Vue, hockey teachers and team managers should contact Tessa Whieldon on 0161 247 1962.