More than 500 sites across the country will run "Hockey Nation Give it a Go" sessions for youngsters and adults over a five-week period from the day of the London 2012 Opening Ceremony on July 27.

Anyone, regardless of age, ability, previous hockey experience or location can take part in the sessions.

A new website provides a search engine to find local hockey activities as well as venue details for Britain's hockey team as they compete around the country during the Olympic Games.

The initiative is supported by the Hockey Hotline, a dedicated phone line offering advice to people wanting to take up the sport.

The number – 0845 340 4000 – operates from 8am to 8pm daily.

The end of the period will be marked by the Harvester National Club Weekend on September 1 to 2, an open weekend providing opportunities for clubs to welcome their local community.

Youngsters get a feel for hockey 

England Hockey Board development director Holly Woodford said: "Having seen hockey participation increase over the past six months we are determined to retain this growth and use the excitement of the 2012 Olympic Games to engage thousands more people in hockey.

"It will be an incredibly exciting and inspirational time and I am confident that with the enthusiasm of the amazing people involved in hockey, we are ready to welcome sports fans to hockey!"

Hockey has a great opportunity to capitalise on London 2012 with teams in both the men's and women's competitions in contention for medals.

The men's team have demonstrated that they can compete on a par with some of the world's top teams, though they failed to make an impact at either last year's Champions Trophy or the London 2012 test event this year.

The women, meanwhile, performed superbly in both, reaching their first ever Champions Trophy final before losing to hosts Argentina.

They then beat the same opponents in London in May at the test event, and stand a good chance of fighting for gold.

Team GB pose for a photo after beating Argentina in London earlier this year

Sean Kerly, a member of the 1988 gold medal winning men's hockey team in Seoul, believes both teams will do well this summer and help spur interest in the sport.

"Both men and women are both ranked four which is unusual to say the least," he told insidethegames.

"The women I would say have a slightly better chance of doing well than the men.

"They have some tough matches...but I think the women will be in the final.

"I think the men will probably play off for bronze."

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