Wildcats help children get their skates on

2:00pm Friday 25th July 2008

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CHILDREN across Wiltshire are preparing to strap on their skates for a new community drive spearheaded by Swindon Wildcats – the town’s ice hockey club.

‘Wildcats in the Community’ is a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) which aims to develop links with local schools and encourage participation in the sport.

Following the success of last year’s trial, in which 12,000 children from more than 30 schools took part, Wildcats’ general manager Steve Nell is looking to expand the scheme into the South West and beyond.

Through a series of community initiatives including a ‘learn to skate’ programme, Wildcats Road Shows and a cashback incentive for schools, Nell plans to bring ice hockey to the masses.

“We love what we do. There’s nothing better than getting out on the ice and teaching the kids to skate,” he said.

“Because if they are skating on the ice, they are not causing trouble out on the streets.

“Lots of time and effort has gone into this because we want to be more than just a hockey team. We want to be part of something bigger in the community.

“I want to get as many kids into ice hockey, and sport, as possible.”

Last year’s ‘learn to skate’ programme equipped 180 children each week with the skills to enjoy their time on the ice.

From September, one third of the Link Centre rink will be given over to school parties, as the children benefit from expert advice from community coaches Joe Dickens and Aaron Nell.

“When they first come, most of them cannot stand up.

“After three weeks they are flying all over the place,” said Steve.

“At Swindon Wildcats we are all about equality. We want to encourage participation for able bodied and disabled children.

“It’s great to see wheelchairs on the ice, and that’s something that happens every week at the Link Centre.

“It’s great for the coaches as well as the kids. All the stress just melts away.”

For those children who show promise, there is the opportunity to graduate to the ‘learn to play’ programme, which feeds into the Swindon Junior Ice Hockey Club.

With 110 members aged between five and 18, this thriving youth section feeds the club’s development side, which in turn feeds the senior side that competes in the English Premier League.

Part of the CIC scheme involves encouraging active participation at live EPL games, and recent attendance figures show the sport is growing in popularity.

Steve said: “Five years ago we had an average attendance of 302. Last year it was 850, and in the play-offs we had well over 1,000 people there.

“The cash-back for schools was a big hit last year. Great Bedwyn must have brought the whole village along.

“They brought 105 adults and 142 children to their very first Wildcats game, giving them £208 cash back!

“We want to open our doors to everyone and make the Wildcats a big part of the Swindon community.”

l For more information on how to get involved in the ‘Wildcats in the Community’ initiative, contact Steve Nell at steve.nell@swindonwildcats.

com.