How Dysynni HC has extended its reach and grown hockey in the local community  

As with so many of our community clubs across Wales, there is a real commitment and passion to grow hockey at Dysynni HC. 

Last September, the club ventured out into its local community to offer schoolchildren their first hockey opportunities. 

These regular sessions have been led by Amelia Dunn, who draws on her wisdom as a Euros silver medallist with Wales’ O40s Masters and her experience as a youth international in her role as Junior Hockey Coach. 

“Given all of my experience,” she told us, “I think that it's really important to be able to share this with the local community and give them the opportunity to try something different.” 

After spotting a gap in Dolgellau, Amelia set up sessions in schools to give children the opportunity to try out hockey and, in most cases, pick up a stick for the very first time. 

“I find that hockey is popular with young people as it gets them outside with a stick! It’s different from all the regular sports and most children haven't tried it before so it's a new experience. 

“There was no hockey in the area,” she confirmed, “and kids didn’t travel to the local clubs. 

“I wanted to offer something in my local area; raising the profile of hockey through schools is so important for children, letting them have fun and also keeping fit.” 

And, having invited schoolchildren from Years 4 to 7, the club’s profile was raised thanks to the brilliant engagement that Amelia’s sessions enjoyed. 

Running on a weekly basis from September last year until Easter earlier this year, these sessions attracted 20 to 25 children each week.  

“The aims were mainly to get more children picking up a stick who hadn't before,” Amelia said. “I was also able to allow them to take part in tournaments as a developmental side which they all really enjoyed. Participation was up and they were all developing as players.

“The engagement in Dolgellau has been good as they have not long had the new astro pitch,” she explained. “I did a lot of pre-sessions first, going into schools and promoting hockey, and a lot of advertising on social media; we also sent leaflets to the children in their school bags and emails out through the school advertising the club and local sessions.” 

This engagement has led to tangible results, with the club welcoming new players to satellite sessions in Tywyn and subsequently into its competitive ranks, as well as school teachers offering more hockey in the area. 

“Five children travel from Dyffryn Arddydwy, and we also have three attending regularly from Dolgellau; two more U10s also attend tournaments! 

“The experience has been really successful,” Amelia continued. 

“The PE teacher in Dolgellau School is now doing more hockey with the children, and I am also planning on continuing to go in to continue raising the profile of the club.  

“I have also run a session in Ysgol Arddydwy to help the teacher feel confident about encouraging hockey in the school. The teacher has recently entered the children into a tournament and is also running regular hockey sessions after school!"

Hoci Cymru is delighted to see our clubs demonstrate such passion for growing hockey and ensuring the sport is an activity accessible for all. 

“For me personally,” Amelia said, “it's giving children the opportunity to learn and develop, be the best that they can be, while keeping fit and being outside. I've learnt a lot in my hockey career so have a duty really to inspire others and teach them what I know. 

“It’s particularly good for young girls to have a female role model; a lot of girls give up sport around 13, so we need to keep them interested and challenge those typical stereotypes of body image for girls. Being fit and healthy is important! 

“This work has been important to raise the profile of hockey in general, as well as the club. I hope to restart the sessions again in September to continue the good work already done.”