Wales Report

After having been enthusiastically excepted by the WHU the youth are being encouraged to play as big a part as possible in the organization of Welsh hockey. This is shown by their acceptance of the Welsh National Youth Forum meeting for the first time at WHU council in November. The forum will not only be a committee in there own right but also allowed one representative on both management and development committees. Five members have already been appointed:

• Bethan Walsh
• Siobhan Rowland
• Dawn Mitchell
• Andrew Seimann
• Lois Roberts

In addition to this we will be looking to appoint 2 more forum members in the coming month.

This summer saw the introduction of the summer U14 girl’s league - due to the Welsh weather and the number of different competitions in winter, it was deemed encouraging for the youngster to play in the summer. These youngsters fresh and enthusiastic about our sport most of which are now involved in our pen pals scheme have a bright future. Not only did it provide opportunities for the u14 but a couple of 16 year-old umpires joined in too.

There are so many things to look forward to in the future - Wales are really trying hard which is the most important. I look forward for more opportunities for young coaches and umpires. There are always things we can work on and 2 key aspects are the age we are starting to introduce hockey and with new primary competitions and opportunities the problems are being addressed also providing equal opportunities in North and South we are always trying and we must continue this. These are things for the future, highlighting problems and seeing change is encouraging and I can see a bright future for WELSH HOCKEY.

Bethan Walsh

Welsh and World Youth Hockey Promoter

Youth Web Site - http://www.hockey.vze.com