Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti’s Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund has supported the involvement of 55 young hockey players in the Lytton Paikea Sports Club’s development programme.
The funding has covered turf bookings and equipment to make the programme free of charge for the youth.
It started last month and hascontinued into March.
Funding from Whiti Ora Tairawhiti's Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund has meant the programme has been run free of charge for young players.
The programme offers two sessions each week for Year 7 to 13 students.
Monday sessions focus on core skills, ball control, decision-making and small-sided games, while Thursday sessions build strength, speed, and hockey-specific fitness.
Athletes also gain exposure to umpire awareness, teamwor, and leadership on and off the field, LPSC secretary Maija-Lee Gooch said.
“The programme has been a huge success. It’s fantastic to see so many rangatahi participating, and even better to have 10 volunteer coaches working alongside a lead facilitator to support them.
“While the young players are learning and developing their skills, the coaches are growing and gaining experience too.”
"While the young players are learning and developing their skills, the coaches are growing and gaining experience," says Lytton Paikea Sports Club secretary Maija-Lee Gooch.
Gooch said the programme also showed that fitness could be fun.
“We even had one comment from a child who said ‘that wasn’t really fitness because we just played games’.
“It’s great to see them enjoying the sessions while learning about hockey fitness.”
Gooch said a strong focus had been placed on connection - bringing together students from different schools and year levels.
“The sessions have evolved based on participant feedback, ensuring young people have a voice in shaping the programme.
“The aim is simple: strengthen community hockey, remove barriers to participation and give young athletes the opportunity to grow both on and off the field.”
