September saw no fewer than 7 new rollerski instructors become qualified through Snowsport England's coaching scheme.

Led by veteran cross-country ski coach Eric Woolley, the team were put through their paces in an intensive weekend of analysis and training. The 7 new instructors and 1 revalidated instructors who attended the course in Bristol came with a variety of experience - 3 ski racers from military backgrounds, 2 from the the London Region Nordic Ski Club, 1 from the Midlands Club, 1 from the Lakeland Club and 1 all the way from Portugal.

It is hoped that all involved will bring their skills to bear with various projects to develop the sport across the UK. The Snowsport England affiliated nordic ski clubs have traditionally led the development of cross-country skiing, and these will benefit from the new instructors. However, newly qualified instructor Chris Dwyer - of the Rifle Volunteers Biathlon and Nordic Ski team and formerly Exeter Uni OTC - hopes to go one better, and introduce rollerskiing and cross-country skiing to the school he now teaches at.

With rollerskiing enjoying a nationwide renaissance, and interest growing in nordic sports in general, these instructors become qualified at a good time.

The new rollerski instructors are -T. Allen, C. Dwyer, A. Ford, G. Kelly, L. Long, H. Smith, S. Tysoe; revalidated instructor - H. Field.