YOUNG hockey players in Southampton are thrilled that a cash grant will help them achieve all their goals.

The Hornet Puck Hockey Club, which trains at St Mary's Leisure Centre, will use the £2,290 Awards for All Lotto grant to buy much needed kit, including invaluable net-minding equipment.

Gary Page, general manager of the 41-member club, said net-minders were few and far between because parents are reluctant to shell out £1,000 for essential protective clothing which needs replacing every few years.

He said: "If we don't have net-minders we don't have a team. Having this money gives us the freedom to be able to train people. It's really good for us."

Awards for All is a lottery funding programme aimed at local groups and makes grants of between £500 and £5,000.

For further information about the grants log on to www. awardsforall.org.uk.