STEPS on the road to success in the 2012 Olympics are being taken in the Canterbury area.

Kent Badminton Association, English Volleyball Association and Canterbury High School have launched a joint East Kent project, funded by Kent Reliance.

Devised by Tom Middleton of the English Volleyball Association, Mike O’Keefe of the Kent Badminton Association and Nell Spall of Canterbury High School, it aims to promote minority sports in the district schools and to celebrate British successes during the Athens Olympics.

Providing one secondary and five primary schools with free volleyball and badminton coaching, the aim is to offer new sporting opportunities for as many young people as possible, with gold, silver and bronze awards for leading participants.

Youngsters who enjoy the sports have the opportunity to progress to the Big Lottery Mini Olympics Programme, starting in the spring/summer term at the five secondary schools of the Canterbury SSCO Partnership.

For more information visit www.canterbury.kent.sch.uk/ssco or to book a place at the Mini Olympics after school club, contact Nell Spall on 01227 463971.