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 Queens Park.
The group was supposed to last for four sessions, but thanks to the enthusiasm of those involved, they were increased to six, with Bedford Hockey Club hoping the introductory sessions spur them on to the hockey pitches of Chester Road.
Six sessions took place, alternating week on week between school years three and four, and years five and six, with 13 volunteers from Bedford Hockey Club and beyond involved across the sessions to provide coaching.
And thanks to its unique location, the pupils of Westfield Primary had next to no distance to try out the sport.
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.
“It has been great to be involved in the organising and working with Westfield School”, said Steve.
“To provide children with the opportunity to be introduced to a sport that they wouldn’t normally be accessible to play, and supporting local schools with getting children exercising and learning new skills in a safe environment is a wonderful opportunity.
“And to our volunteers who gave up their time, but who really enjoyed the coaching sessions. I thank them all for their commitment, in particularly Duncan who headed up the sessions in a organised and professional manner.
“And their cooked breakfast afterwards was great!”
“We were delighted to offer introductory hockey sessions for Westfield School, giving over 130 children the opportunity to play this fast and exciting game on the fantastic newly re-laid pitches”, added Duncan Talbot, who headed up the sessions.
“The children had a very short and convenient walk from their school to the adjacent pitches!
“We were particularly pleased and impressed with the spirit, enthusiasm and ability on display. We hope that a good number of the children will want to continue playing the game and take up an invitation to give the Bedford Junior Hockey Club a try!”
“This has been a fantastic opportunity for our pupils”, added Westfield Primary’s headteacher, Karen Watts.
“They have really enjoyed the training sessions and learnt so much from their amazing coaches who have helped to instil a love of hockey. Our pupils are keen to learn more and we have lots who will take up the opportunity of more training in the Junior Hockey sessions.
“This has been a brilliant offer from Bedford Hockey Club and we have been very grateful for the team of volunteers who have given their time to this, especially Steve and Duncan who have made this happen.”
Bedford Hockey Club’s junior sessions take place on Sunday mornings at Bedford Hockey Centre, and you can contact the club here to enquire about getting involved.
