How to get new members interested in Hockey in Finland
02 June 2004

Sunday 16^th of May on the Velodrom’s water based pitch, Helsinki, all Hockey people in Finland were present as well as new hockey children and their families. It must have been over 50 people that took part

It was the kick-off event for the fieldhockey season and especially for junior activities in clubs (no junior teams in clubs though there are kids playing hockey! ). Target of the event was Junior recruitment and to make the already existing ‘hockey kids’ meet clubs’ leaders.

The program was as follows:

• at 10:30 Junior trainer/leader meeting
• 11-13 Juniors at the pitch: hockey bowling, passing between cones, target flicking, bouncing etc. Minihockey games (with parents)
• 13-14:30 Men’s game: Champions 2003, HT-85 vs. The Rest of Finland
• 14:30-17:30 Mixed Minihockey games: juniors and ladies, Penalty stroke competition (junior goalies), ‘Tricks club’. Prizes

The results were clear: we got some new kids interested in fieldhockey. Clubs decided to start junior trainings. We introduced ‘the old hockey kids’ to club leaders, and the kids were ready to join clubs and start regular training sessions.