Hockey in Primary Schools
The WHU aims to increase hockey participation in primary schools and is working in partnership with unitary authority sports development teams to achieve this goal. WHU Hockey Development Officers lead this partnership work in those areas where they are being deployed, working closely with the local Dragon Sport Officer or Active Young People Coordinator. The WHU's National Development Manager (Clubs & Young People) takes responsibility for those areas where HDOs are not deployed.
Hockey participation in primary schools has increased substantially as a result of the Sport Council for Wales's Dragon Sport initiative. Dragon Sport is designed to offer 7-11 year olds fun and enjoyable sporting opportunities, and hockey is one of a portfolio of eight modified sports used in the scheme.
Dragon Sport introduces children to coaching, skill development and appropriate competition using versions of the adult game, modified to meet their needs and skill levels. Visit the Dragon Sport website for more information.
The WHU uses Dragon Sport as the vehicle for introducing primary school children to hockey. This usually starts with a simple taster session in a school, is followed by schools attending a Dragon Hockey Festival (one day hockey event), and culminates in participation in a Dragon Hockey League at a central venue, where children participate in small sided games against other local schools. The WHU is keen to establish central venue Dragon Hockey leagues throughout Wales as they are a popular with children and convenient for teachers and parents.
The WHU coordinate an annual National Primary Schools Competition, known as Activate, and this is open to all primary schools. Schools must first attend a local area competition; the winners of this then attend a Regional Competition (known as a Zone Final); and the regional winners go through to the National Final held every year in Newtown. Schools wishing to enter this competition must affiliate to the WHU - registration forms available via our 'Downloads' page.
To find out about the Primary School hockey opportunities in your area please email [email protected] or contact WHU on 029-2057-3940.
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