USA Luge will host a "slider search" in Washington this May ©USA Luge

An adventure centre on Camano Island in Washington has been chosen to stage a regional USA Luge “slider search” in May.

Arrowhead Ranch will host the recruitment event, sponsored by fast food chain White Castle, on May 18 and 19.

It will allow youngsters aged nine to 13 to try out luge with a view to potentially qualifying for the junior national development team.

“We are anticipating a successful weekend of recruiting in a beautiful area of the Pacific Northwest,” said USA Luge director of marketing and sponsorships Gordy Sheer.

“It’s been too long since we’ve recruited in this part of the country and now with White Castle’s partnership, we’re able to do it.”

Three-time Olympian Christian Niccum was discovered through the
Three-time Olympian Christian Niccum was discovered through the "slider search" programme ©Getty Images

Using sleds on wheels, two clinics will be offered each day at the Ranch, free of charge.

Successful participants will be invited to try out the sport on ice next winter in Park City, where luge action was held during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

According to USA Luge, since the programme’s inception more than 30 years ago, around 250,000 youngsters have taken part.

Among the athletes discovered through the scheme is four-time world junior champion and three-time Olympian Christian Niccum.

It is thought Niccum will be among the coaching staff on Camano Island.