February 2003 newsletter

The latest news on hockey development around the City

Hello and welcome to the first edition of Plymouth Hockey News from the Plymouth Hockey Development Group sponsored by DML Sports and Social Club.
The purpose of this news letter is to keep everyone within the city up to date with current news and events for both clubs and schools.

Primary Coaching Partnership Scheme
The Primary Coaching Partnership Scheme continues to grow with a whole host of new schools receiving a coaching programme for years 4/5/6. This term sees the scheme extended further linking into the schools sports co-ordinator programme in Stoke, Parkside and Tamarside.

Plymouth Primary 6 a-side Mixed Hockey Festival
This years event is taking place on Thursday 5th June at Marjons. After the success of last years event a similar format will be used. Further details including entry forms will be available in late March early April. Like last year the event will include a former international player to run coaching during the festival.

DML U13 Boys 7 a-side League
This year 10 schools have entered the league which is excellent news, several of the schools are also being supported by having coaches to come into their school to run coaching sessions. Linked to the league is a coaching support programme which several of the schools have been taken up. These include Hele’s, St Boniface’s, DHS for Boys and Stoke Damerel.

COURSES

Young Umpires and Coach Development
Linked into the schools programme is the opportunity for young players to develop leadership skills in umpiring and coaching. A course for both is planned in March, details to follow shortly. Opportunities will then be available to gain experience supporting the primary coaching partnership scheme and at primary festivals.

Primary TOP UP & Introduction to Hockey
Taking place @ Plymstock School on Monday 10th and 17th February 2003, 4-6pm Cost £5. To book a place contact Plymouth Professional Development Centre Tel: 01752 774404, email: ppdc.courses@plymouth.gov.uk. For info regarding the course content contact Jamie Oxley on 07813 666382 or email: Jamie@phdg.org.uk.

Good Practice & Child Protection
Two Sports Coach UK Good Practice and Child Protection Course are taking place on:
February 11th @ Marjons 6.30-9.30 – Cost £10
Feburary 25th @ Marjons 6.30-9-30 – Cost £10
The course is designed to address Child Protection Issues in a sporting context open to coaches, teachers and volunteers aged 16 and above. For more details or to book a place contact Jamie Oxley.

EVENTS

Primary Mixed 6 A-Side Hockey Festival
Thursday 5th June 2003 @ Marjons. It is likely that the event will be an all day festival including coaching from a top celebrity hockey star.

Devon Youth Games
This is being held in Exmouth on Saturday 21st June 2003. A team for both U13 boys and girls will need to be selected to represent Plymouth for this event. Trial and training dates will be circulated within the next month.

For more details regarding Hockey Development in the Plymouth area please contact Jamie Oxley or check out the groups web site – www.phdg.org.uk.