Carmarthen Athletic Hockey Club championing inclusivity with Access to Hockey Fund, sustainability initiatives and community support

Carmarthen Athletic Hockey Club (CAHC) shares its commitment to making hockey accessible to everyone in the community proudly, regardless of their financial situation.

As part of the club’s ongoing mission to remove barriers to participation, the club’s dedicated Access to Hockey Fund has supported 15 families over the last two seasons, enabling them to access the sport they love and remain part of the CAHC community.

The Access to Hockey Fund was born a few years ago, out of the simple but powerful idea that financial hardship should never prevent someone from stepping onto the pitch.

Speaking about the creation of the fund, Club Chair Ffion Dart commented:

“We started this fund because we saw the impact that rising costs were having on our members. Hockey builds confidence, connection and resilience; no one in the Carmarthen area should miss out on that because of finances.”

In the last two seasons, individual grants have been awarded to cover items such as membership fees, match fees, and pathway programme expenses.

Demand has grown steadily, reflecting both the cost-of-living pressures affecting families and the trust the community places in the fund.

One recent grant recipient shared anonymously:


“I wasn’t sure we would be able to keep our child in hockey this year. The support we received was discreet, respectful and meant everything to us. Without it, they wouldn’t still be playing.”

Fundraising efforts from the club are fully committed to supporting the Access to Hockey Fund. Each season, players, families, and volunteers come together to organise events and activities, all with the goal of ensuring hockey remains an inclusive sport for all ages and abilities.

This year, however, CAHC’s annual Bingo – traditionally a significant fundraiser solely for the Access to Hockey Fund – has taken on a special dual purpose. The event’s proceeds have been split between continuing to support current players through the Access to Hockey Fund and contributing to the crowdfunding appeal for former CAHC junior and current Wales U21 Women’s Captain, Betsan Thomas.

Betsan, who began her hockey journey at Carmarthen, will of course be leading the Wales at the Junior World Cup in Chile. The club has pledged half of all Bingo proceeds, along with a dedicated raffle, to help her and her teammates meet the costs associated with representing their country on the international stage.

“We’re incredibly proud of Betsan and how far she’s come,” Junior Development Officer, Charlotte Harries, told Hoci Cymru. “Supporting her ambition is something the whole club is behind; she’s a shining example of where grassroots hockey can lead.”

Kit Bucket: Removing barriers and promoting sustainability

In addition to financial assistance, CAHC continues to offer practical support through its Kit Bucket, a selection of well-used but fully functional second-hand items such as shin pads, astro shoes, and hockey gloves.

Over the past two seasons, more than 30 players have made use of Kit Bucket items, with many using them as an affordable way to try the sport before committing to buying new gear.

One new junior member shared:

“I was nervous about joining because I didn’t have the right shoes or pads. But the kit bucket meant I could get started straight away. Now I love hockey and I’ve made loads of new friends!”

The Kit Bucket also plays an important role in supporting the club’s growing commitment to sustainability. Reusing pre-loved equipment helps reduce waste, extend the life cycle of valuable hockey gear, and lower the club’s environmental impact – values increasingly important to the hockey community and wider sport and leisure sector.

CAHC proudly undertakes this sustainability work as it once again takes part in the REPLAY kit recycling project, delivered through the West Wales Sports Partnership and funded and made possible by Admiral and the Welsh Sports Association trhough the Sustainability in Sport Fund.

Through REPLAY, the club will help ensure surplus kit finds new life within the community and beyond, aligning with both environmental goals and accessibility priorities.

A club committed to an inclusive future

As CAHC continues to grow, the club remains dedicated to ensuring hockey remains open to all. Every donation, fundraiser, and act of support strengthens the Access to Hockey Fund and helps future players start their journey, while also championing the achievements of those who once wore the Carmarthen colours and now shine on the world stage.