Sonning Hockey Club Colts Section

Sonning Hockey Club awarded Government sponsored
'Club 1^st' England Hockey Accreditation

Sonning Hockey Club is delighted to announce that it was awarded the Club 1^st National Hockey accreditation for junior coaching and development in November 2004. We are particularly pleased to have been the FIRST club in Berkshire, and, at the time of the award, was one of only 20 clubs in the UK to achieve this accreditation.

In 2001 the Government asked all sports clubs, who provide coaching for children, to introduce codes of practice for child development. England Hockey's scheme, Club 1^st, is part of the Sport England Clubmark Programme and is nationally recognised as the standard mark for all hockey clubs.

Club 1^st, sets minimum standards of coaching and care - to achieve a safe, fully inclusive and fun environment in which the juniors can learn - removing as many barriers to sport within the community as possible. Clubs achieving the 'Club 1^st' award are recognised as working towards providing a Safe, Effective and Child Friendly Hockey Environment. They also receive the CLUBMARK award, and become priority clubs for County Sports Partnerships and Funding agencies to support.

Sonning Colts is made up of over 100 junior members, ranging in age from 7 to 16. The Colts Coaching Team is made up of 18 volunteers from Sonning Hockey Club. This Team provides training 2 nights a week, matches on Sundays and social events throughout the year.

Speaking about the award in November 2004, Anthony Oke, Sonning Colts Development Officer for the 2004-2005 season said: "This is a fantastic achievement for a smaller club like Sonning, and we are especially pleased to be leading the way in Berkshire. It has needed an incredible amount of work from our Coaching and Support Team, Parents and Colts alike to be get the 'Club 1^st' award. We are now recognised as leaders in junior hockey coaching, but this is just the start for us - we are looking at providing more coaching to a greater number of children, and increasingly support local schools."

Kevin Mist, Club Chairman added: "We give more focus to Sonning Colts than any other section of the club - and this award is recognition of that effort. This has been achieved through voluntary work and limited funds - a continual barrier. We were delighted to welcome Avvio as club sponsor this year, and their wonderful support has enabled us to build the club to new levels. Now we must look to secure additional funding targeted directly at the Colt's section."

The club was presented with the award on 7th December 2004 by England Hockey. The event took place at Sonning Hockey Club's home ground - Reading University - as part of a Colts Training Session. Representatives from Reading University, our supportive hosts, our local MPs & Councillors, The Active Sports Partnership, Berkshire Sports Partnership and local Press were all invited to the presentation. And of course, also present were Sonning Hockey Club Colts, accompanied by parents and the Sonning Coaching Team.

For further information about the 'Club 1^st' Accreditation - please contact
Kevin Mist - Club Chairman. (kevin.mist@RBWM.gov.uk)
John Flint - Colts Development Officer (johnflint70@hotmail.com)
Mark Darby - Publicity Officer (mark.darby@vodafone.co.uk)

» Read the press release

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