Rover Oxford stage their 12th Annual Youth Festival this weekend at Tilsley Park, Abingdon.

The event has now become one of the largest of its kind in the UK, with more than 600 youngsters taking part from all over the country, including regular visitors from Banbridge, Northern Ireland.

New entrants, the 'Mini Panthers', are travelling from the Wirral to take part.

As an addition to the festival this year, on Friday the club are holding a series of games at Oxford Brookes, starting at 4pm in memory of Steve Vermeulen, who died last June.

Steve, who was a local fire officer, was the founder of the club's youth hockey section and was instrumental in starting the festival in 1992.

His wife, Anne, will present medals to the participants after the game.

On Saturday, Rover Oxford will receive Sport England's 'Clubmark' accreditation.

It will formally presented by Rich Beer, England hockey's South Regional development officer at Oxford Brookes Sports Centre, starting at 7pm.

TIMETABLE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY

At Oxford Brookes Sports Centre: 4.00-5.30 Banbridge U16 v Rover Oxford Invitation U16. 6.00-7.30 Steve Vermeulen Memorial, Rover Oxford v Oxfordshire. 7.30-9.00 Chairman's XI v President's XI.

SATURDAY

At Tilsley Park: Under 8 9.45-11.30, Under 10 9.45-1.00, Under 12 2.00-5.50.

SUNDAY

At Tilsley Park: Under 14 9.30-12.15, Under 16 girls 12.45-6.05, Under 16 boys 1.45-6.05.