Cheshire Hockey Development Group

 

Progress Report

 

Melinda James contract as the part-time (10 hours per week) Hockey Development Officer for Cheshire and Warrington was extended for a further 3 months to 31st March 2008.

 

There is no further direct EH funding for this post disappointingly but its appointment of a full-time Hockey Development Officer for the North West (exc. Cumbria) goes someway to enabling Cheshire development to be sustained. However, there are a number of areas where its sustainability and development can only be secured through the work of volunteers.

 

On behalf of the Hockey Development Group I would like to thank Melinda for the work she has undertaken on behalf of Cheshire hockey – she has made a real difference to development and it is up to us to work to sustain and build on this.

 

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

 

Amongst the Achievements for 2007/08 are:

§               Continued the provision of a first contact 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;

§               Supported developing Club / School links;

§               Co-ordinated Girls’ U14 tournaments and worked with Clubs to sustain this type of competition for future years;

§               Worked with a number of clubs progressing their Clubs 1st portfolio as they work towards their accreditation;

§               Supported a further group of Cheshire Hockey Development Clubs as they work tow achieve the Clubs 1st Accreditation;

§               Ran a leadership course in conjunction with Ellesmere Port & Neston Borough Council, drawing pupils from local schools;

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

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

§               Commissioned two additional level one coaching courses (Wilmslow and Timperley);

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

§               Co-ordinated two level one umpiring courses

 

Some Areas of Focus for the Future

§               Involvement in the development of JDCs to compliment the newly established JAC

§               At least one level one umpiring course a season

§               U14 Girls’ tournaments

§               Young Leaders and Umpires – facilitate pathways for their development

§               GK coaching sessions – in current venue and an additional venue

 

 

 

Elaine Beech

Chair

Cheshire Hockey Development Group