Sport England Backs Hockey Legacy
England Hockey has announced that its Give it a Go campaign will run once again this summer, in partnership with Join In UK. Sites across the country will run hockey taster sessions for young people and adults over a five week period that will replicate the programme of the summer of 2012.
Last year’s Give it a Go programme has been credited with helping attract 30,000 more people to hockey, with the 2013 edition set to run from 27th July until 9th September.
The sessions will provide anyone, regardless of age, ability, previous hockey experience or location, the opportunity to pick up a stick and give hockey a go. The grand finale of the Give it a Go campaign will include the Harvester National Club Weekend, running from 7th-8th September 2013.
Last year, 30,000 goody bags were distributed at more than 300 hockey clubs that opened their doors to the community and England Hockey will help clubs to build on that success this year.
Over the weekend of 18th-19th August 2012 – the weekend between the end of the Olympic Games and the start of the Paralympic Games – 300,000 people took part in Join In Local Sport by going back to where it starts for every great champion; their local sports club.
The aim of Join In was for every sports club and community group in the UK to capture the enthusiasm from our incredible summer of sport by hosting a special community event.
In total, there were more than 6,000 events held for Join In 2012, with over 500 hockey clubs taking part. The 2013 campaign will also offer sports clubs a high profile opportunity to attract more members, supporters and volunteers.
Sport England’s chair Richard Lewis said: ‘I am delighted to hear that England Hockey’s ‘Give it a Go’ programme will be returning for a second year in partnership with Join In UK. With 30,000 people picking up sticks as part of last year’s programme, it shows there is a huge appetite for hockey in this country which we can build on.’
‘As we celebrate a year on from a fantastic summer of sport, it’s great that programmes like ‘Give it a Go’ are ensuring the legacy of London 2012 stays alive and I wish they every success with inspiring the next generation of hockey players.’
Sally Munday, chief executive of England Hockey added: ‘This is a real, tangible opportunity for clubs and sports providers to fulfil the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games. As a sport, we were delighted to welcome 30,000 more people to hockey in 2012 and we want to ensure that we, along with hockey providers, continue to give people the opportunity to play and volunteer.’
‘Alongside the Give it a Go campaign, this summer will also feature some outstanding opportunities to follow hockey, building on our success of recent years. In June, London will host the women’s Investec World League, giving sports fans the chance to see more of our Olympic stars in action, while in August our men’s and women’s teams will compete at the European Championships in Belgium.’
England Hockey’s work in 2012 also saw the governing body shortlisted for Sport Governing Body of the Year, sponsored by The Telegraph, at the BT Sport Industry Awards 2013.
