So far in 2019, 15 clubs have already benefited from Hockey Ireland’s Tricks4Sticks programme.
Supported by Sport Ireland Dormant Accounts funding, the programme focuses on bringing hockey to areas of disadvantage, while also providing personal development opportunities for those involved. As part of the programme, we have delivered coaching to over 8000 kids in 50 schools and trained up over 270 Young Hockey Leaders!
A great example of how the funding is benefiting clubs and communities is on the North Coast where coach and Ballymoney club coordinator, Maria Doherty is delivering the programme in 5 primary schools.
“We are delighted to have benefited from the Tricks4Sticks funding,” said Maria, “it has enabled the club to go into schools in the local area and deliver high quality coaching to boys from age 8-11. Most of these kids have never played hockey before so we are starting from scratch and it is amazing to see them develop so quickly and have so much fun. When I leave on a Tuesday the boys are saying they can’t wait for the next week, which is exactly what every coach wants to hear!!
Two of the five schools that I am working with have entered a boys’ team into the local primary school blitzes, the demand is now there and we hope to watch this grow over the years. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our schools, clubs and the local area.”
The coaching will take place over 6 weeks in each school and focuses on growing the club membership and getting the new teams an opportunity to compete. This week 2 teams of boys got to compete in their first Ulster Hockey blitz in Cookstown. The club have run a Hockey Ireland Young Hockey Leaders Award to help train young people as coaches and umpires within the club, to help support the programme.
For more information on Tricks4Sticks please click here https://www.hockey.ie/helpyourclub?content_page=Tricks4Sticks