16 TEENAGERS from the Isle of Man have volunteered to be assistant badminton officials at this year's Commonwealth Youth Games.

The teenagers have all undertaken courses, delivered by a Badminton England tutor, to prepare them to act as line judges.

The courses were organised by the Sport's Development Unit of the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure in conjunction with the Isle of Man Badminton Association and Isle of Man Sport.

Two courses were run for young people aged 14 to 19 and focussed on line judging, scoring, umpiring and match control amongst other aspects of officiating.

Kerry Penswick, badminton development officer, said: "With the assistance received from the Isle of Man Badminton Association and Isle Of Man Sport it was a great opportunity for young people from the Island to get involved in."

Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK said: "The courses on offer were a fantastic opportunity for young people to achieve a qualification as well as gaining some valuable experience and it’s great those 16 teenagers want to use their new skills to assist at the Commonwealth Youth Games."

Tickets for the Commonwealth Youth Games, which take place between September 7 and September 13, are available from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal and the Villa Marina reception or via the ticket hotline on 01624 600555.