9th February 2010
Hockey stars of Caerphilly County Borough
Hockey has proved a massive benefit for young Michael Lewis who was inspired by his older brother Sean and coach Bev Rogers to take up the sport.
Michael first attended a hockey fun session in Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre five years ago with no knowledge of how to play the game. Over the next few months Bev Rogers, Hockey Development Officer for Caerphilly County Borough Council, concentrated her efforts on working one on one with Michael who is autistic, aiming to improve his behaviour both on and off the hockey pitch.
After a long period of coaching, Michael decided he was ready to participate in a tournament and after Bev had ran along side him for the first three games; Michael finally felt confident and concentrated enough to go it alone. Michael improved massively over the coming months and he now trains with Sean and fellow team members in the Performance Development Centre in Treforest, and he hopes to follow in his brother's footsteps some day.
Five of the players from Michael's team, including his brother Sean, were recently selected for the Welsh Academy's Under 16's squad. They are:
Martin Gray (St Cenydd Comprehensive/Whitchurch Hockey Club)
Emily Haines (Cwmcarn Comprehensive/Risca Ladies HC)
James Tall (Bassaleg Comprehensive/Llanishen & Caerphilly HC)
Shannon Dimmick (Cwmcarn Comprehensive/Risca Ladies HC)
Sean Lewis (YG Cwm Rhymni Comprehensive/Llanishen & Caerphilly HC)
