Spencer Lynx/Hockey Partnership with Local Primary Schools : Autumn 2023 - Spring 2024

Our Head of Hockey, Ms Bennet, has set up a new partnership with nearby state primary schools Alton primary, Heathmere Primary and Roehampton Church School.  Spencer Lynx was born to address a lack of diversity at Spencer Hockey Club, which is
not representative of our local community in
South London.  Spencer Lynx's aim is to bring hockey to a wider, more inclusive audience,
starting with local state school children and their families. We wanted to instil a passion for hockey, and through that teach children the benefits of being physically active, while allowing them to develop as individuals and opening doors to opportunities.

Having previously coached for Spencer Hockey Club in South London, Ms Bennet has worked with the Spencer Lynx trustees to set up a new activity at teh nearby Bank of England/ALTEC sports facility.  Between 25-30 primary pupils have taken part for the Autumn and Spring terms of this academic year, coached by Ms Bennet and supported by a small group of our sixth form pupils.

Aims

To promote physical activity in groups that do not usually access hockey.

Improved mental health and well being through sport.

Resources

Teaching time of Ibstock's Head of Hockey Ms Bennet

Minibus drivers to pick up some of the children

T shirts

Sticks and mouth guards

Use of Bank of England Pitch (donated for free)

 

Impact

Attendance at the Club has been good, with 21 children having attended 10 or more sessions, and having been awarded their own hockey stick. Numbers have fallen slightly, to 25, for a variety of reasons, including uncomfortable mouthguards, which is to be expected of any club.

 

The children’s progress in hockey has been surprising; there are a number of children who show real potential. Just as positive is the social interaction between the children, who now behave as a single squad, rather than children from 3 different schools. This has huge social benefits for the children, which sport is unique in delivering.

18 of the children travelled to Streatham on a Sunday at the start of January to take part in a tournament with children from Spencer Lynx’s main hockey hub. They were supported by family and friends. This was an incredible turn out, and the children were proud to be involved. A second tournament will be held on 3 March.

Pupil Involvement

Year 4 and 5 primary pupils, supported by ~8 Ibstock Sixth form pupils

Frequency

Sessions happened weekly on Tuesday evenings in Autumn 2023 and Spring 2024.  Spencer Lynx has been awarded funding to continue this partnership next academic year.