UNDERWATER hockey in the region has received a major boost with the reintroduction of a South West league for the first time in nine years.

The sport, also known octopus, has always been popular in the Plymouth area and over the years a host of youngsters have earned national and international recognition. 

There are currently a number of players from the South West in Great Britain squads, including Plymouth’s Alyssa Oates, who will be part of the national women’s team that will compete at the 2018 World Championships in Quebec City, Canada, in July.

It is hoped the reintroduction of the South West League based at Plymouth’s Life Centre will help produce even more top class players.

“The South West League is an exciting opportunity for the development of underwater hockey in the South West,” said Jake Roberts from Plymouth UH Club’s A team.

“The structure of the league means that teams from around the South West have a chance to play in a competitive environment and enhance their team play which will serve to increase all the participants’ chances of performing at their best in official tournaments.”

Tim Morgan of Team South West B added: “It can only improve the performance of our teams at national level and it is great to blood new players to see how they perform under pressure.”

While Luke Farmer of Plymouth University said: “It’s a great way to unite our sport in the South West.”

The new league has two divisions each with five teams. Plymouth UHC have two teams, as do Team South West, while Kingsbridge, Plymouth University and the Cornish Flickers also have sides.

Fixtures take place on the last Tuesday or every month at the Life Centre and they will run through to September 25.