Scottish Hockey is inviting clubs across the country to an information workshop on how to broaden access to the game to include people with disabilities.
The national governing body is hosting a gathering on April 16 at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre to launch Flyerz Hockey in Scotland, with a number of clubs having already registered their interest. The hour-long session beginning at 6.30pm will focus on the fundamentals of getting started, and include the opportunity to try out specialised equipment.
Flyerz Hockey is the name widely associated with disability inclusive hockey across the UK. It utilises traditional and adapted equipment during regular club sessions at local volunteer-led community clubs.
Flyerz got started in the UK in 2011 at Waltham Forest Hockey Club in London and has grown significantly since then. It is backed by Access Sport – the legacy fund from the 2012 Summer Olympics in London – which is also supporting the roll-out of Flyerz in Scotland.
Katie Brown, Regional Development Manager in the West of Scotland for Scottish Hockey, said the programme will include those with learning or physical disabilities. The focus is on having fun, learning new skills, making friends and promoting the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.
“Research has shown that those with disabilities are twice as likely to be inactive as those without disabilities,” Brown said. “In addition, seven out of 10 disabled people surveyed said they would like to be more active.
“So there are the obvious fitness and physical benefits, but also there is the social element. A lot of disabled people feel isolated from their community, so this is a way to engage and make new connections.”
The launch of Flyerz forms part of Scottish Hockey’s wider strategic plan covering 2019-2023. As an organisation, Scottish Hockey is committed to ensuring that everyone can access the game.
Although the programme is in its infancy, it has already signed up its first pilot club. Western Wildcats – Scotland’s oldest existing hockey club – will hold its first session between 2-3pm on Sunday April 28.
Brown said Flyerz stays as close as possible to the traditional format of the game, with variations on equipment or setup introduced only when necessary. Flyerz participants will be an integrated part of their club receiving the same experiences, such as kit and club days, as other players.
Anyone interested in finding out more about Flyerz Hockey in Scotland should contact katie.brown@scottish-hockey.org.uk.
You must be logged in to post a comment.