Youth Hockey: Club's prespective 

We believe that our younger members are an essential part of our club and are vital to both our present and future success. We aim to do all we can to encourage and include younger players and make them feel a valued part of the Club, irrespective of their age, gender or level of ability or length of time with the Club. We also expect that youngsters should be able to enjoy their hockey and develop their abilities to their full potential in a safe environment, free from harassment, bullying or other risks.

Our priorities for all aspects of youth hockey, including coaching, youth matches and adult matches involving youngsters, centre on the safety and welfare of the individual.  

We therefore aim to:-

• Enable youngsters to enjoy the game
• Coach and encourage younger players to help them develop their hockey skills
• Help children to establish self-confidence, both on and off the field, and develop enthusiasm for the game of hockey
• Encourage the older players to broaden their horizons by qualifying first as Coaching Young Leaders and then as coaches

Expectations

We expect our members and their families to behave in a reasonable and sociable way towards their peers, our coaching staff and other youth and adult members. We also expect all children and parents to train, play and support.

All coaches work  hold a valid Disclosure Scotland check, first aid certificate and will be trained in the Safeguarding and Protection of children.  

Parents/guardians are asked to ensure that coaches are made aware before coaching sessions or matches of any medical condition which might affect their child’s performance or which might require specific attention (e.g. asthma), or of any injury which may prevent a child from taking part in elements of coaching (e.g. sprain).

The social aspect to our club is very important to us and we encourage parents to join us at club social evenings.  We usually host a annual race night and family BBQ at Beecraigs to raise some funds for the club.

Our child protection officer is Michelle Robb and she can be contacted on 07935354290 or cpoliviwesthockey@gmail.com if you require any further information.