SWINDON Wildcats have moved their Wildcats in the Community programme to charity status to widen their pmact on the town's sporting community.

The Wildcats, who last week unveiled James Phipps and Paul Norbury as new non-executive directors, are hoping to build on their current foundations, which have seen nearly 400 season tickets snapped up by supporters.

A club statement revealed: "The club have a vision which will be developed further over the coming months with the support of our two new non-executive directors, where we will focus on challenging the sporting landscape of Swindon and the surrounding area, as we look to turn the Wildcats in to the number one sporting experience in the region.

"With a track record of continued growth over the last 11 years and continuity of local ownership, we’re aiming to build on the firm foundations laid during recent seasons. With almost 400 season tickets snapped up by supporters already, we’re looking at reaching even more of our club goals before the opening puck has even been dropped!

"We’re not just focussing on Game Night either. We already make a massive impact in the Swindon community with our hugely popular Wildcats in The Community programme, but we want it to grow even bigger.

"As part of that plan, we’re moving Wildcats in The Community to charity status and in the coming months we will be looking to provide even bigger benefits for all participants.

"Our community programme currently holds the honour of being the largest Junior Development Club in the UK.

"We have over 200 players between the ages of 4-17 and, along with our hugely popular Schools Programme, we also engage with many other local children and community groups to bring hockey to as many people as possible.''

A new Twitter account, @WildcatsITC, will update the Wildcats in the Community initiatives and eventswith local schools and groups also likely to be involved in the community activities.