Teenage hopefuls are being urged to take full advantage of the unique player pathways available to emerging stars on Tyneside following a successful first year for one of the region's leading golf programmes. Golf has become a key part of the North East Sports Academy (NESA) at North Tyneside's TyneMet College, less than a year after it was awarded development sport status.

And coach Jonathan Ward is confident further success will follow after his players made prominent moves in local, regional and national competition as well as reducing their handicaps and inspiring fellow youngsters in the community.

"It is always difficult to judge golf alongside other development sports as our season only starts at the end of an academic year," explained Ward. "But it's safe to say we're on course to become another NESA success story given the progress of our students during the past 10 months.

"Andrew Smith reached the fourth round of the Scottish Boys' Matchplay Championships as well as qualifying in second place for The Northumberland Junior Matchplay at Wallsend Golf Club.

"Andrew Gudgin shot a solid 78, net 68, to finish fourth in the Northumberland Schools Championship at Blyth, helping TyneMet to achieve fourth place in the team event. And that kind of display has helped Andrew to reduce his handicap by five shots during his time at NESA.