Planning for a new Hockey Partnership

We are currently planning for a brand new, long term, project between Ibstock, Spencer Lynx Hockey Club and two local primary schools (Heathmere and Alton Primaries).

Spencer Lynx will organise the recruitment of ~30 primary pupils to take part in a new hockey club. Pupils involved are from groups that do not usually have access to sporting activity or have low take up, such as those on free school meals, with pupil premium, or from ethic minorities.  The goals is to improve pupil confidence and fitness as well as provide a pathway for those showing particular skill to join the Spencer Lynx club.  Kit is being provided by funding secured by Spencer Lynx, and food, kit, and staffing by Ibstock.  The pitch is being donated by the ALTEC sports ground.

Aims

To deliver hockey to state school primary children with little opportunity to play sport or engage in physical activity.  Hockey has a white, middle class reputation which we would like to change. 

Roehampton is one of the highest areas of deprivation in Wandsworth (DataWand). It is well-established that people, including children, from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds have lower levels of physical activity, and need help and opportunities to be active (Sport England Active Lives Report 20212-22). 
 
The Alton School and Heathmere Primary School have high levels of pupil premium. We have explained our project to them, and will continue to liaise with them, to keep their families engaged and involved in the project. 

Background

Our Head of Hockey, Ms Bennet, has previously coached at Spencer Hockey Club.  She wishes to help Spencer Lynx with their outreach and partnership provision, and use her considerable expertise to help children who do not usually have access to this sport.

Ms Bennett is a very experienced hockey coach, who has previously coached the England Performance Centre U18 Players and coached the South Africa U18 teams.

The Spencer Lynx Trustees will lead the project, in combination with senior leadership at Ibstock Place School. The five Trustees are all experienced volunteers, who have been involved at Spencer hockey Club for many years, and have successfully run Spencer Lynx operations in Wandsworth and Lambeth for 4 years. The Trustees will recruit children by delivering in-school hockey sessions, observing the children and consulting teachers.  
 
The Trustees will also handle all communications between schools and families. 

Resources

Ibstock is providing the food, plus Ms Bennet is Ibstock staff (although these sessions will take place after the school day has ended).  Ibstock sixth formers will assist Ms Bennet in coaching.

We have secured funding for transport of Heathmere pupils to the site to encourage take up, plus for some of the kit such as moth guards, from charity HMCK.

Impact

Outcomes including physical literacy and improved mental health will be measured through surveys of children, parents and teachers.

Personal feedback on skills and mentoring will be provided to the children to instil ownership, and maintain levels of activity and commitment.

We will monitor attendance weekly, and reward good attendance, including their own hockey stick after 10 weeks of attendance. 

Pupil Involvement

Pupils are being selected from year 3 and 4.

Frequency

This activity is weekly, and is intended to take place for the next two academic years at least.  We hope it will persist for longer.