Scotland’s youngsters will get their first chance to impress manager Dave Mackie ahead of the European Hockey Championships in 2011 at this year’s UK School Games.

Both boys and girls will descend on South Wales on September 4 to represent Scotland after being selected through regional and national talent development programmes.

Hockey made its bow 12 months ago in Bristol with both the boys and girls winning once and losing twice – and Mackie insists this year’s tournament has added importance.

He said: “We are using the UK School Games as a developmental squad for the European Championships in 2011 – particularly with reference to the boys team who I am primarily in charge of.”