BLACKBURN Hawks boss Jim Pennycook has set his sights on introducing a new sport to the town - roller hockey.

The player-coach unveiled his plans this week and believes it could only be a matter of months before youngsters could be competing in a national league.

He said: "Roller hockey is a quickly growing sport and there is no reason why it can't be the next big thing in this country. The potential for this sport is amazing and we are offering youngsters from Blackburn and the surrounding areas professional training which has never been available before."

Pennycook's dream gets under way on Saturday when enrolment for three age groups; Under 10s, 14s and 18s will be held at Audley Sports Centre between 11am and noon.

Weekly sessions will be held at Audley and later Shadsworth Leisure Centre and plans are already in progress to take on teams from across Lancashire.

The Scottish star is hoping that the interest in roller hockey could bolster the Hawks' set of fledgling stars which has rocketed from 45 to 200 in the last year. He added: "This is just another example of our commitment to junior development in the town and most of the Hawks players will be getting involved in one way or another."

For more information about roller hockey phone Audley Sports Centre on 01254 680012.

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