The Mayo Hurling U-14 School of Excellence kicks off in the coming weeks, with trials to be held on a regional basis around the county. Now in its fourth year, the Mayo School of Excellence is beginning to reap rewards with the first batch (2002) going on to win the All-Ireland U-16 C Title in 2004. There will be three trial areas around the county, East (Ballyhaunis and Tooreen), West (Castlebar, Ballyheane and Westport) and North (Belmullet, Ballina & Addergoole). Trials are open to all hurlers born in 1991 & 1992. Each trial area will receive two 2-hour coaching session/trials. Forty hurlers will be selected to go forward to the Mayo U-14 Hurling School of Excellence, which will include four coaching days culminating in a series of development challenges against other counties. The School of Excellence coaching days will be run, in the majority, over the Easter holidays. The School will run between 11am and 2.30pm daily. In the event of bad weather, coaching videos and guest speakers will be used. The onus is on the clubs to get their players to the venues for both trials and the School of Excellence itself. Players to be togged in club colours and must have their own hurley and helmet. Anyone not attached to a club, and wishing to come in for trials is asked to contact the co-ordinator, Adrian Hession on 087-2450566, to organise an appropriate venue.