15682/1GAZETTE & HERALD: JOHN Bentley School might take on nearby public schools after it launched lacrosse as an extra curricular activity.

As part of the launch John Bentley School has also brought in a secret weapon.

For a month Grant Griffith, 23, from Detroit, has been bringing a significant dose of American flair and know-how to the school.

John Bentley PE teacher, Nick Norgrove, said with their newly formed skills they would be looking to form a team and take on other schools.

"If it becomes popular we will look to bring it into the curriculum as an option and, if we can get a team together, we will do.

"I know a few schools in Trowbridge have developed it and I think some of our boys and girls are good enough to play for the Bath side.

"It's a public school sport but there's no reason why we cannot do it.

"If we develop it and get good enough then why can't we take on the public schools?

"Grant's been with us for about four weeks and will be with us for another month before he goes back to the States.

"We will hopefully get another coach from the US next year.

"We are continually looking for other alternatives rather than staying with the usual sports or football, rugby and cricket."

Mr Griffith, has played lacrosse competitively since the age of 13 for teams including Michigan State University, which offered him a sporting scholarship.

Mr Griffith has travelled to England as part of a scheme run by the English Lacrosse Association while he is on a gap year after graduating from Michigan State University.

Mr Griffith said the ELA tries to promote the game by asking young stars and coaches to encourage children in England to take up the sport.

Comparing lacrosse's popularity in America to football in England, he said the game has started to expand in northern England but efforts are now being concentrated in the south.

"I started playing in the neighbourhood with friends when I was younger but that does not happen here. In the north people like me are coaching clubs' youth teams but down here there are not as many teams.

"For example the Bath team only have an U14 team with no actual competition.

"I am currently going to eight schools in the area a week. The standard is not as high across the board but for all these kids it's only their third week and they have progressed very quickly.

"It's all about getting a stick in their hand and seeing if they like it.

"I just like the competitive nature, the aggressiveness of a team sport and strategy and speed.

"The motto in the US is lacrosse is the fastest game on two feet."

The game has proved popular with children at the school with a number considering taking it up as a new hobby.

Aaron Giles, 15, from Ridgemead in Calne, said: "I play rugby and so I like the competitiveness and the body checking and contact. It's like rough hockey and more fun."

Steph Coward, 14, from Compton Bassett, said: "I think it is great fun. We have never done it before and it has been a great experience.''