Project a primary goal for schools
Pupils to benefit from fine initiative
THERE was plenty of excitement at the Buffalo Flats Astro turf last week Friday as a number of local schools took part in an exhilarating new pilot hockey project aimed at primary schools.
The East London schools who will be a part of the project going forward include AW Barnes, St John’s Road, Parkside, Pefferville, Buffalo Flats, Aspiranza, Cranberry and New Generations primary schools, who all took part in the afternoon of fun.
“I think it was a very successful launch, it was well attended, all eight schools in the programme were there and we also had departmental officials from the department of sport and recreation in attendance as well,” said programme co-ordinator for the Eastern Cape Malcolm Mopp.
“This is basically a pilot project and we are only running it in three provinces so far. It started off in the Western Cape, then it was launched in KwaZulu-Natal and now in the Eastern Cape.
“I have only heard positive things on everything so far, we also have a funder Ezee Tiles which is a massive help in funding the whole project.”
Two other schools, Bedford Primary from Bedford and Templeton High School from Adelaide also took part in the launch with the view of having the project in their area as well.
“We also included them as they are also part of the project so the Adelaide, Fort Beaufort, Alice and Bedford areas that we also work in and do hockey development will be a part of it,” explained Mopp, who is also in charge of Border and SA primary schools hockey.
The initiative was launched by the South African Hockey Association and sees a modified version of hockey played by the kids.
This was in full view at the Buffalo Flats astro on Friday and allows more kids to be involved, allowing for more participation.
“It is a modified game, so we aim to have maximum participation,” said Mopp.
“You can have eight games going on at the same time on the pitch, so the kids were active, they enjoyed themselves and we spotted some talent already which is exciting.
“The aim is also to use the equipment that was given by Ezee Tiles in the schools during life orientation, so they can do ball skills at the schools as well.”
Going forward the project will see weekly sessions held at the Buffalo Flats astro with all eight schools taking part during the school term until September.
“There is going to be a programme from May to September and we will also have two big festivals in between on the 16th of June on Youth Day and on the 9th of August which is Women’s Day,” said Mopp.
“Obviously there is potential to expand and if the schools show commitment and come to the weekly programme and if SA hockey is happy with my report I am sure they will be happy to expand it to more schools.”