Regional Delivery Manager for Hockey Wales, Richard Jones takes a look at the impact for young people, and the sport, of Hockey Young Ambassadors.
Established in 2013, the Young Ambassador Programme offers exciting volunteer opportunities for 14-to-18-year-olds throughout Wales. Through the programme, Hockey Young Ambassadors (HYA’s) are able to further their club’s visibility while also raising the profile of hockey amongst their local communities.
There are over 70 silver, gold and platinum HYAs across Wales who are responsible for a range of duties, such as helping with the day-to-day running of their club, coaching, club promotion, organising events and tournaments, and assisting at national events such as the National Hockey Finals and Senior International test matches. In addition, some YAs will run sessions in local schools to increase participation and promote the positive values of hockey.
Some of the more proactive HYAs will attend regional POD meetings where they will work with a number of other clubs and local authorities to support the development of hockey across that POD area. Here HYAs can develop links with local authority programmes, extending the opportunities available to them.
Recently, five young ambassadors (Chloe Jordan, Kloe Jarvis, Amelia Davies, Alice Gregory and Heledd Evans) have been selected to represent Wales in the European Hockey Federation Youth Panel (EHFYP). Following on from the success of Harri Evans who was selected last year, the representatives will work to give young people a voice throughout the development of hockey, from a local to international scale.
The representatives will assist the EHFYP by attending meetings, working groups and undertaking projects where they will give feedback and advice on selected EHF strategic plans and policies that impact on young people. In addition, representatives will have the opportunity to volunteer in events across Europe, including the EHF ParaHockey Festival in Essen, Germany, this June and the 2017 EuroHockey Championships in Amsterdam.
This year Wales has been allocated more representatives within the EHFYP than any other nation, demonstrating the success of the Hockey Young Ambassador Programme and all the hard-work and dedication our representatives have shown. We hope that their success inspires more young people to get involved with the programme and take advantage of all the amazing opportunities available to them.
To our five representatives, we wish you all the best for the year to come and look forward to hearing what you get up to.
If anyone is interested in to become a hockey young ambassador, please contact your club for an application form or email Richard.jones@hockeywales.org.uk
We asked 3 of our Hockey Ambassadors the following questions:
What is the best thing about being a Hockey Wales Ambassador?
Chloe Jordan: One of the best things about being a Hockey Wales Ambassador is all different opportunities you are given. We get to see how events work, from school events through to internationals, and also learn about all the different ways to promote hockey.
What is the most exciting opportunity you have been given as a YA?
Amelia Davies: During my time as a YA I have had many exciting opportunities, but I think my most exciting and challenging opportunity was the task of presenting and standing on stage in front of what it felt like thousands of people at the Hockey Wales Awards at the Vale Hotel. This opportunity gave me great confidence and I met some great new people, it was also brilliant to hear about all the talent we have here in Wales. The awards evening made me feel so proud to be part of the Hockey Wales Family.
What kind of things do you get up to as a YA?
Alice Gregory: As a YA I get involved with all sorts of things; I help out where possible to make sure hockey is always available for others to participate in and that events run smoothly. I also help out at a lot of hockey festivals, which is great fun.
How did you feel when you heard you had been selected for the EHFYP?
Amelia Davies: When I was selected for the Panel I was really excited and grateful for the opportunity. I am looking forward to working with new people and gaining new life-long friends.
If you could give one person a tip about volunteering what would it be?
Alice Gregory: If I could give a tip about volunteering I would say volunteer as much as possible! Sport depends on volunteers to help keep it going and it's one of the most rewarding things you can do!
What is the most rewarding part of being a volunteer?
Amelia Davies: It’s definitely seeing a smile on someone’s face, whether it’s a nine year old who can now hit the ball far or a new young ambassador in their training. Seeing a smile on someone’s face is definitely the most rewarding aspect of being a Hockey Wales young ambassador.
Why do you think volunteering in sport is so important?
Chloe Jordan: It’s so important in sport because it gives those who don’t necessarily like playing sport a chance to get involved and have a positive experience even if they are not playing.
What are you looking forward to most about being on the EHFYP?
Amelia Davies: I think it has to be hearing new ideas and exciting plans for the future of Hockey and being part of that.
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