Irish Hockey has officially launched a new variant of the sport aimed at attracting casual players to either take up the sport for the first time or return after having played at youth level.
Quick Hockey,is a five-a-side version of the game played with a larger ball so as to make it a little easier to control. Rules are simpler and goals come in an easy to assemble pack which makes it easier to set up a location on any area of flat ground.
Teams can be men or women only or mixed as is the case with tag rugby.
The idea for the game came about from a participation survey which highlighted a willingness among 70% of players to get more involved in playing more informally once they had retired from the full competitive side of the sport.
Balance
Looking at the principal reasons why players left the game it emerged that trying to balance family, work and social life and the inability to commit to a club were the biggest challenges and that formed the basis for designing this game.
“The results highlighted the necessity to offer a less formal option of the game that can be played on any surface in a 5-aside format,” said Irish Hockey CEO Mike Heskin launching Quick Hockey at the National Sports Campus.
“As a governing body we are always looking to progress our sport in line with our strategic plan, including increasing the numbers playing the sport and retaining those who currently play.
“The development of Quick Hockey is a game that will help us achieve these two goals.”
Thank You
Irish Hockey was one of eleven organisations to benefit from €125,000 distributed through the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund last year. It received a grant of €10,000 towards the Quick Hockey project.
“The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund makes awards to voluntary and non-profit organisations promoting active lifestyles in communities all over Ireland,” said Erica Roseingrave, Erica Roseingrave, Public Affairs and Communications Manager for Coca-Cola HBC Ireland.
“Through the Fund we seek to support innovative ideas which will encourage those who don’t participate in physical activity to introduce it into their lives. Quick Hockey captured the judges imagination and we’re looking forward to seeing the programme rolled out across the country.”
Irish Hockey have laid out a five year plan to roll Quick Hockey out which will bring the game to new players who do not have the facilities to run the traditional 11 sided hockey format while also giving Irish Hockey the chance to bring hockey to new schools and communities.
The aim in year one is to deliver Leadership courses in the new sport to almost 1,500 transition year students across 72 schools and to establish summer leagues and 8 centres where the game can be trialled and played.
There is also the potential for greater workplace involvement through the sport, a subject we will be focusing on over the coming months.
Quick-Facts
· Teams are 5-a-side but can be flexible
· Play anywhere – indoor or outdoor on pitches of any size
· Mixed or men/women only
· Simple rules with a larger ball
· Perfect for all levels including beginners
For more information on Quick Hockey, go to www.hockey.ie/quickhockey. More details about The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund are available at www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou.
Sport for Business will host The Business of Youth Sport, a half day conference on June 12th looking at youth participation for early years to third level and with speakers from Sky Sports, Active Flag, Athletics Ireland and many more. To find out more and secure your place, click here.
