HOCKEY
As part of our inclusive sports work, we aim to partner with and support every interested hockey club in the Netherlands to establish inclusive hockey teams so that everyone - with and without disabilities - has the opportunity to train, play and learn together in a fun, inclusive and accessible environment.
"At Equal Play, our goal is to give every child - with or without disabilities - that feeling of playing and belonging together through hockey."
What is Inclusive Hockey?
Inclusive Hockey is hockey designed for all. It is a fun, friendly, disability-inclusive sport. Equal Play partners with interested hockey clubs throughout the Netherlands, with the aim to establish inclusive hockey teams.
Who is it for?
Inclusive Hockey is for everyone - with and without disabilities! Equal Play focuses on the younger ages of 6 -12 . As this is established in neighbourhood clubs, all children and their friends and families can benefit from being part of the initiatives and get involved.
How does it work?
Hockey is a sport that can be adapted for many different ability levels. We support local clubs to create engaging inclusive sessions, opening up the transformational benefits of hockey to more disabled young kids and their peers.
We are committed to collaborating with more interested clubs and other hockey stakeholders to create long-term change. To get involved please reach out to us in the link below and we will be in touch.
Inclusive Hockey with Hockey Club Ypenburg (HCY)
Thanks to collaboration with Hockey Club Ypenburg we have already set up the first inclusive hockey team. Our weekly hockey training sessions are more than just sports – they are places where kids get to know each other and have fun together. Here, every child feels the pride of scoring a goal or learning something new.
The Inclusive Hockey Program was structured in phases:
Concept phase: Free hockey lessons in November at HCY with 30 registered children. All children attended at least once during the 4-week concept phase with the average attendance per week at 20 children. The sessions were with small groups of 6 children with 2 coaches.
Pilot Phase: Building on this success, HCY has committed to formally establish an inclusive hockey team next season – a remarkable milestone in this partnership. HCY offers free hockey sticks and jerseys to team members. So far, 10 children have signed up as club members.
Are you interested? Registration is open!
