TWO friends are looking to get more youngsters in the North-East to take up dodgeball – after opening three clubs in the last year.

Stephanie Robson and Lucinda Stott opened the Hartlepool Mavericks, based at Belle Vue Sports Centre, in September 2016.

The idea proved so successful that the pair followed it up with the Billingham Bulls in April 2017 and the Boro Bombers.

Dodgeball is a sport in which players on two teams try to throw balls at each other while avoiding being hit themselves.

Ms Stott, who works as a fitness instructor in Hartlepool, decided to look into coaching dodgeball after noticing whenever she delivered children’s fitness sessions, they wanted to play the sport.

Ms Robson said: “We were amazed to learn how popular the sport was in other parts of the country, but there were very few clubs here in the North-East.

After competing for only 12 months, the Hartlepool Mavericks will enter its very first tournament this weekend in Leicester, where an under 11, under 13 and under 15 team will be taking part.

The pair are now looking to increase the appeal of the sport to youngsters across the region, saying it is something with “lots of fun and laughter”.

“The kids absolutely love the sport – dodging and ducking to avoid the ball – but most of all they seem to love throwing balls at each other," said Ms Robson

“We also have seen a number of children who are not interested in main stream such as football, netball and rugby, come along to sessions and become part of a team, as well as children with special needs.

"As a primary school teacher, I have seen how many schools are beginning to play more dodgeball during PE sessions.

"The sport is increasing in popularity and is becoming much more widespread and developing at a very rapid rate," she added.

Anyone who would like to find out more about playing dodgeball at one of the three clubs can find them on Facebook.

Alternatively, they can contact either Ms Stott on 07540 303378 or Ms Robson on 07762702222.