Parents Hockey
September 15, 2017
Recently some hockey clubs in Leinster have run their own ‘Parents Hockey’ or ‘Hockey for Mums’ programme. These have been very popular initiatives.
It is very popular in the Netherlands, with most clubs running ‘Trim Hockey’, which is mixed hockey for beginners over 30 years of age (mostly parents of junior members). The social and fitness aspect are promoted to participants.
Leinster Hockey are encouraging clubs to run their own version of this social hockey concept at suitable times.
It can be a one off taster session of a series of weekly sessions. A session with a warm up some small sided games and some basic coaching input is ideal.
Loreto HC recently concluded their ‘Hockey Mums’ programme with a blitz and BBQ. Loreto had 70 ‘Hockey Mums’ particiapting . Some of the benefits apart from more people playing hockey which is always good are:
- Greater affinity and connection with the club by parents of junior members many of whom are new to the club. Many clubs in Leinster hockey in recent years have grown their junior girls sections to a large extent. Some clubs have reported a difficulty to maintain a strong club spirit as their membership has grown. A ‘Parents Hockey’ programme will greater engage parents into the club. They will be more likely to get involved in required tasks for a sustainable club such as team management, organising social activities, umpiring, coaching, committee work, administration etc.
- More players and more volunteers. Your club might gain new adult players, players who are beginners or are returning to hockey and want to start playing league hockey.
- Children whose parents play sport and in particular the sport they play themselves are more likely to continue playing . This has been well researched in sports participation studies. Therefore ‘Parents Hockey’ is actually a tool to help retain junior hockey members for longer.
- Adds to the offering a club provides to its members and club community. It opens up an opportunity for more people to play and get involved in hockey.
- Think of a time of the year or day where a ‘Parents Hockey’ session or series of sessions will work in your club. For any advice please contact the RDO for Leinster , Kenny Carroll (Kenny.carroll@hockey.ie)
