Flyerz, which will be delivered by Access Sport, will target young disabled people in England and Wales who face the additional challenge of growing up in poverty, providing them with inclusive hockey activity.
Olympic gold medallists Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh will launch Flyerz before the England national side take to the pitch to play the USA.
“We got involved with Access Sport and Flyerz because we both feel very strongly that hockey should be accessible and open to everyone,” they said. “In many parts of the country this still is not the case and that’s why this programme launch is so vital. We want to give every coach and volunteer the tools to make their clubs as inclusive as possible.”
“Flyerz will put disability hockey on the map, giving hundreds more young people a chance to try out the game,” said Spirit of 2012 Chief Executive Debbie Lye.
“We know it is harder for disabled people, who are often socially isolated, to find welcoming and safe places to play sport, and so we’re hugely excited about Flyerz, which offers inclusive hockey as a route to both fitness and new friendships.”
Hockey is brilliantly adaptable to cater for young people with a range of abilities. Over three years, the project will develop 50 new inclusive Flyerz sections across England and Wales. The project, which was awarded £200,000 through our 2018 Sport Challenge Fund, is supported by England Hockey, Hockey Wales, the European Hockey Federation and World Hockey Federation.
Mark Hardie, Chief Executive for Access Sport, said: “This ground-breaking project will take the growing Flyerz hockey movement to a truly national level. Our vision is to help all sport clubs to be confident and equipped to welcome disabled people on level terms so we are delighted that hockey is leading the way on inclusion.”
Further information:
Click here for the Access Sport website.