Sports club provides hockey experience to school children
Over the past couple of months, an enthusiastic group of Bedford Hockey Club members have given up their spare time to make the sport of hockey accessible to over 130 youngsters from Westfield Primary School, in Queen’s Park.
It was an initiative made possible with the backing of the Bedford Sports Foundation, who run the Chester Road facilities, and supported by clubhouse manager, Steve Cave.
Thanks to the pitches, that Bedford Hockey Club is proud to have as its home ground, being located right next door to the school, the children had no distance to travel to participate.
Six sessions have taken place, alternating, week on week, between Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6, with thirteen volunteers getting involved across the sessions, to provide coaching.
The pupils embraced the opportunity provided to them; indeed, the original plan had been for four sessions, in the run-up to half-term, but two additional sessions were added after the holiday, due to their desire, and enthusiasm, to continue.
Furthermore, an involvement in hockey doesn’t need to end here, for those who would like to continue participating in the sport, as all have taken details home to their parents, with an invitation to join the club’s Junior Hockey for the final month of the season.
It has been fantastic to witness the obvious enjoyment of the pupils but, also, to see some very raw talent showing great potential.