A TEENAGER from the district is quickly establishing himself as a leading sports coach.

Daniel Craigie successfully managed a North representative hockey team to a bronze medal at a national hockey tournament in Nottingham.

The team finished joint second on points, but missed out on a silver medal on goal difference, to a side from the Solent.

The 18-year-old travelled across the North ahead of the tournament to monitor the progress of his players, who were attached to 11 different hockey clubs.

Craigie was involved in team selection, as well as coaching and guiding them through the stages of the tournament.

The youngster is also a level one hockey umpire, and this year mentored other young officials from the age of 13, at a national event in Leeds.

He is a member of the North Regional Young Umpire Action Group, and hopes to gain his level two umpiring qualification at the beginning of next season.

Away from hockey, the versatile Prudhoe High School pupil is also making a name for himself as a cricket coach.

He gained a level two cricket coaching award last year, after receiving a grant from Sport Tynedale.

He coaches the girls’ team at school, and also presides over both U13 and U11 teams at Corbridge Cricket Club, where the U13 are in league title contention.

The youngster, who was named young volunteer of the year at the Sport Tynedale Awards last December, assists at the cricket club in various roles.

Craigie will begin a new chapter in September when he joins Sheffield Hallam University.

His ultimate goal is to further develop his skills and become a PE teacher.