A JUNIOR shinty league could be formed in Cornwall after the success of coaching sessions at schools.

Members of the Cornwall Shinty Club has been providing training to pupils at three different schools, Constantine Primary, Mabe Primary and Pool Academy, as they look to develop the sport in the Duchy.

Their efforts culminated in a special event at Constantine on Saturday which saw the children they have been coaching get involved in a series of games before an adult match between Mabe and Camborne School of Mining.

The juniors were split into two sides with the overall result being 21-20.

Matt Mossop, chairman of the Cornwall Shinty Club, said it was great to see the children enjoying the sport, adding they are now looking to set up a league next season.

Mossop said: “The sessions we have run at the schools have had a great turnout with more than 150 kids attending.

“All the schools are keen to continue with the training, which is great.

“On top of this we are also looking to run sessions at other schools such as Penryn College and Falmouth School, where our senior team currently train every Sunday.

“Something else we are now considering is setting up a junior league for Cornwall to give the students a chance to play more competitive shinty. We might start it in October if things go well.

“This is the next step we need to take as it is good teaching the kids how to play, but you do need to provide them with a competitive edge to keep them interested.”

There is also a chance a full size pitch will be provided at the Pool Academy, which would mean the Cornish team would not have to travel out to Bristol for matches.

In the afternoon game, Mabe defeated CSM 4-1 in what has been described as a brilliant match.

Camborne goalkeeper Gary Smith was named man of the match for a fine display, which was backed up by his defenders who put up a fight against Mabe’s forwards, who included former Scottish National League player Jamie Macdonald for the first time.

For more information about the club or to find out about the training sessions at Falmouth School, visit www.cornwallshintyclub.tk Alternatively, people can email cornwallshintyclub@gmail.com.

Training will not be held between July 23 to 30 because 20 players from Cornwall will be joining up with the England team for a tour of Scotland.