Didcot Devils under 11 and under nine teams are preparing to play their first ever home matches at a mini-tournament and open day to be held at Didcot Leisure Centre on Saturday April 2 (1.30-5.30pm).

The visiting teamsinclude Oxford Brooks Eagles and Swindon Sonics.

There is a ‘have a go’ session at 2.30pm for children aged six to 11 who would like to try out the sport.

“We are always looking for new players,” said club coach Serguei Terekhov.

Devils under 11s have had plenty of match practice.

Last week, they visited one of the UK’s top youth programmes – the Champions Academy in Brentwood – for a tournament involving eight teams from London and Essex.

Terekhov said: “Although we only won one match out of four, we have to bear in mind that this programme has 1,000 children taking part and sends teams to the National League finals.

“It was inspiring to see the numbers of young players and the level they were playing at.”

The tournament is being funded by Didcot Town Council, with Trutex sports clothing providing trophies and medals.