Over the last two years Ulster Hockey has been promoting and delivering a cross community primary school outreach programme in various locations. Venues to date include Larne, Carrickfergus, Crumlin, Holywood, and Ballynahinch. In the next 12 – 15 months we want to expand this into other areas especially the north west, Kilkeel, Saintfield, and Magherafelt. In some locations we have worked along side schools as part of their shared education, whilst in other areas we have worked with schools as part of a new sports project.
The best scenario for this to be successful is a location with at least one existing hockey club; a state primary school, and/or a maintained primary school, and/or an integrated primary school.
Larne was the first area to pilot this project in 2023. Pupils from Corran IPS, St MacNissi’s PS, and Olderfleet PS all met at Larne High School hockey pitch for hockey which was delivered by UH staff as well as members of Larne Ladies HC. Following several weeks of coaching the hockey club organised a hockey blitz for boys, girls and mixed teams which was a tremendous success for all the participants. Larne Ladies HC then made the decision to start a boys coaching section within their club due to the demand and now have a thriving group of enthusiastic young hockey players.
Ulster Hockey wish to replicate this programme so if you know of any school and/or hockey club who would be willing to partake then please contact the Ulster Hockey Inclusion & Diversity Officer, Eamonn McFerran in confidence at eamonn@ulsterhockey.com or call Eamonn on 07562688989.