A FORMER Olympic hockey player who has turned to coaching showed off his skills on a school's new all-weather pitch.
Great Britain and England star Callum Giles, who visited Barnard Castle School, was at the centre of a rules controversy before he retired because of his expertise as a penalty corner specialist.
The laws of the game were changed after he was repeatedly brought on as substitute in high-profile matches, such as the Sydney Olympic tournament, to score after a corner was awarded.
Now player-coach for Oxstead Hockey Club, in Surrey, Mr Giles is on a two-day tour of the North-East.
At Barnard Castle School he trained five and six-year-olds from the prep school and from Startforth Primary School yesterday morning before leading a session with senior pupils.
The girls first team later enjoyed a 4-1 win over Darlington's Queen Elizabeth College.
Girls games teacher Alison Armstrong said: "It was fantastic. We have never had an international hockey player here before. It gave the pupils a sense of the standard of hockey that is expected at international level.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article