Alderley Edge Hockey Club has a rich pedigree in developing young hockey players and under its new 'Hockey Academy at Alderley' brand the club has just run an England Hockey Board Leadership Award Course. A remarkable 28 boys and girls aged between 12 and 17 years passed the challenging programme.
The course is designed to provide young people with a fundamental understanding of the key areas of hockey, namely coaching, umpiring, managing and leading in the sport. The England Hockey Board measures the Leadership Award as one of its most important development tools.
For many of the participants it was their first step inside the ‘hockey learning corridor’ and for some it will be the start of a very impressive playing, coaching, umpiring or management career.
Lead Tutor and Honorary Secretary of the Alderley Edge Hockey Club, Kelvin Briggs was delighted that so many children had an enjoyable, stimulating and rewarding experience. He said "The two day course really encouraged the children's long term love of hockey. It was inter‐active, informative and essentially a lot of fun. The boys and girls now have knowledge of leadership qualities and there will be future opportunities to put the learning in to practice at the club."
The Course Programme comprised of four modules – Principles of Leadership, Foundation Coach, Foundation Umpire and Foundation Manager. It took place at Wilmslow High School with both classroom and on pitch sessions.
The Hockey Club has over 150 junior members and welcomes both new adult and junior members. There's even a 'Mum's and friends back to hockey' group that gets together every week.
For further details of coaching and playing opportunities, contact Kelvin Briggs by email or on 07825 213205.
