Cheshire Hockey Development Group

Progress Report – Cheshire HA AGM – May 07

Melinda James took over from Mark Bateman as the new part-time Hockey Development Officer for Cheshire and Warrington on 1^st September 2006 on a 10 hours per week temporary contract to 31^st December 2007. 

There is no further direct EH funding for this post disappointingly but we are working hard to secure funding from elsewhere and are managing our existing funds as effectively as we can.  This is why the post was reduced from 21 hours to 10 hours per week.

On behalf of the Hockey Development Group I would like to thank Melinda for the work she is undertaking on behalf of  Cheshire hockey – she is making a real difference to development and I know is gifting us more hours than her contract requires.  

Background

The Cheshire Hockey Development Group comprises of representatives of all elements of hockey development.  The Group therefore includes representation from CHA, EH, local authorities (Sport Cheshire, the 6 Borough Councils in Cheshire and Warrington BC), the 3 Schools and Youth Associations and, importantly, Clubs. It is integrated within the CHA, is responsible for delivering the National Hockey Strategy in Cheshire.

Cheshire HA affiliated clubs located in Wirral and South Manchester access development support from their relevant Sports Partnerships, namely Merseyside and Greater Manchester and will continue to access, development funds from these sources.

The CHDG is responsible for hockey in the rest of Cheshire but works closely with the other two areas in support of all Cheshire hockey.

The Group meets regularly (usually bi-monthly) to receive an update from Melinda on progress, to discuss developments and to continue planning.

Amongst the Achievements for 2006/07 are:

§ Continued the provisionof first contact details for individuals, clubs, etc on all hockey matters

§ Maintained and developed a range of sustainable networks with all partners, both within the Cheshire Association and other agencies

§ Worked with School Sports Partnerships, District Council SDOs and others groups to sustain their roles in hockey development;   

§ Supported developing Club / School links;

§ Provided subsidies for individuals from Cheshire clubs and associations on coaching courses;

§ Revised the subsidies policy to ensure effective uses of funds;

§ For the 2^nd year, set up and run Girls U13 Assessment and Development Centre, working closely with the Cheshire Schoolgirls Association to sustain long-term

§ Worked with a number of clubs progressing their Clubs 1^st portfolio;

§ Supported the first Cheshire Hockey Development Club in its achievement of the Clubs 1^st Accreditation – Deeside Ramblers;

§ Ran 2 young leaders programmes, including one for young County players;

§ Engaged with new and established Clubs to support with resources, advice, etc

§ Enabled access to Level One Coaching Courses and promoted coach development;

§ Began the preparation of a hockey information booklet for Cheshire;

§ Enabled formal link with England Hockey (national and regional) through representing Cheshire at national and regional events;

but most of all, everyone associated with hockey in Cheshire is working together for the benefit of our sport and long may it continue.

Our biggest issue now is to secure further funding to ensure we can sustain a HDO

Elaine Beech

Chair

Cheshire Hockey Development Group