HomeFundingProjectsFlyerz Hockey

Flyerz Hockey

Access Sport
Grantholder

Inclusive hockey project scaled to 50 clubs focusing on introducing young disabled people to hockey.

Project information

£196,600

Grant amount

April 2018

Date awarded

July 2018 – July 2021

Project duration

England / Wales

Location

Download: Flyerz Hockey Final Evaluation Report

Project Detail

Flyerz Hockey, delivered by Access Sport, was a pan-disability hockey programme that brought disabled and non-disabled people together on equal terms. Flyerz clubs offered welcoming, family-friendly, fully inclusive hockey sessions where anyone – regardless of ability, experience or support needs – could pick up a stick and play.

The project particularly targeted young disabled people in England and Wales who face the additional challenge of growing up in poverty.

During the 2020–21 period, despite the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, Flyerz continued to grow. Forty-two clubs were supported to embed inclusive hockey practices, with new clubs joining even during lockdowns.

The programme combined in-person sessions, online delivery, equipment packs, and family support to ensure participants stayed active, socially connected, and part of a strong community.

The ambition of Flyerz was long-term system change: making disability inclusion the norm, not the exception, in community sport. Its approach has gained national and international recognition and has influenced coaching practice, club culture, and governing-body policy across the hockey community.

Impact & Learning

Key Achievements

  • Flyerz supported 42 clubs to deliver inclusive hockey.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, Flyerz engaged 83 new participants, 64 new volunteers, and provided 158 familieswith equipment and activity packs to stay active at home.
  • 94% of parents/carers said that Flyerz helped their child to be more physically active.
  • Survey responses show Flyerz makes a significant positive impact on the wellbeing of disabled young people and their families, with 87% of parents/carers saying their child’s wellbeing had improved through their involvement in the project and 68% saying their own wellbeing had improved.
  • Families reported feeling more connected to community and peers, with 74% saying Flyerz reduced their child’s social isolation. During COVID-19, Flyerz clubs maintained community ties through Zoom sessions, quizzes, WhatsApp groups, and creative online challenges.
  • Participants gained confidence, leadership skills and independence. Success stories include young people leading Zoom sessions and Flyerz players progressing into mainstream teams, coaching pathways, and other sports. One player joined the England Hockey coaching pathway, challenging perceptions of disabled coaches.
  • Flyerz’ partnership with England Hockey strengthened inclusive coaching practice nationally. The programme won the Sport & Recreation Alliance Creative Partnerships Award (2020) for its impact on embedding inclusion within the hockey system.
  • Flyerz’ model and learning have been shared with Scottish Hockey, Dutch Hockey, USA Field Hockey, Barbados Hockey Federation, the European Hockey Federation, and the International Hockey Federation – positioning it as a global example of inclusive sport.

 

Key Learning

  • Inclusive sport thrives with flexibility and creativity
    The pandemic showed that inclusive programmes can succeed through hybrid delivery – combining remote sessions, at-home equipment packs, and in-person training – broadening access for families who face additional barriers.
  • Family wellbeing is central to participation
    Flyerz improved not only the wellbeing of participants but also their wider families. This reinforces that inclusive sport programmes must think beyond the individual participant and consider the whole family unit.
  • Representation and role models matter
    Disabled participants stepping into coaching or leadership roles – like one participant joining the England Hockey coach pathway – challenge long-held perceptions about who can lead in sport and create powerful ripple effects across clubs and governing bodies. Support for volunteers is vital: many coaches initially worry about their ability to work inclusively, but training and mentoring build confidence and competence
  • Social connection is as important as physical activity
    During lockdown, “being part of a club” (96%) and “spending time with friends” (89%) were the most-missed aspects of attending sessions for Flyerz participants. This highlights the essential social function of inclusive clubs and the need to intentionally build in time and activities to create that sense of belonging.
  • Embedding inclusion requires whole-system buy-in
    Working from grassroots to national governing bodies is essential for lasting change. Upskilling England Hockey’s Coach Developer team and embedding disability-inclusive examples into coaching courses demonstrates a model of scalable, sport-wide impact.

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