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National Accreditation for Worcester Hockey Club

Worcester Hockey Club was proud to achieve Clubs 1st accreditation in April 2005. The club’s team of coaches and volunteers has worked for the past 12 months to complete the accreditation process with the support of Jo Walker, Worcestershire Hockey Development Officer. The club is delighted that this process has developed further its existing links with schools across the City and it will continue to offer quality coaching and playing opportunities for juniors in all age groups.

To celebrate this achievement and also mark the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Junior section of the club, a festival of junior hockey was held at Nunnery Wood Sports Complex, the club’s home, on Saturday 11 June 2005. Youngsters who attended taster hockey sessions in the City’s primary and secondary schools or took part in the recent Worcestershire Youth Games were invited to attend. The club was delighted to welcome England Hockey’s Regional Development Manager, Julie Bower, and the Regional Administrator, Elaina Leithead, who presented the Clubs 1st and Clubmark certificates.

Paul Merrell (Junior Head Coach), Colin Newman and Gerry Kort have been key to the Junior Section’s success, underpinning its development since its inception and providing valuable continuity. Dawn Evans and her recent successor, Mandy Mitchell, have provided a top class administration system, and Mary Travers has led the drive for Clubs 1st accreditation and continues this work as Junior Co-ordinator. A feature of the club is the involvement of parents and often entire families. This provides a bedrock of support, exemplified by Malcolm Wilkinson, a former England international player, who is the Women’s 1st XI Coach.

Worcester HC offers hockey for all ages and abilities, with the Women’s 1st XI in the National League, Men’s 1st XI in Midlands One, junior hockey coaching and competitive opportunities from age seven, and a total of nine Men’s teams and four women’s teams playing league hockey. Veterans’ hockey is also well-established, especially in the Men’s section. There is a strong commitment to junior development, with talented youngsters playing at all levels including 1st team hockey. Worcester has a proud tradition of nurturing international talent from its junior section. Past or current members who have reached the highest levels include Rachel Walker (Great Britain), Natalie Hanna (England U16), Chris Adams and Alex Kotlarzewski (England U18), Lee Irish and Rob Allen (England U16), Kate Draper (England U18) and Victoria Rowland (England U16).