Scottish Hockey’s Lead The Way is designed to educate and empower our most promising and engaged club and district leaders across the sport. Lead the Way started with the 2019/2020 season and after a fantastic first four years we’re now looking for our fifth intake of Lead the Way participants.

The programme delivers a blended learning approach of face to face and online sessions running over an 18-month period. Leaders will access a range of core workshops, additional learning opportunities and the option to volunteer at Scottish Hockey. Lead the Way candidates will have the opportunity to work alongside link minded individuals and learn from some of the country’s best in business on how to maximise their potential and lead change! 

Bespoke workshops throughout the programme will provide candidates with knowledge and confidence to deliver a project of their choice back at their club. Each Lead the Way candidate will have a Scottish Hockey mentor for 1-1 support on their projects and their personal development.

At the end of the programme, candidates will showcase their project to the cohort and special guests at a celebratory graduation!

Lead the Way Projects:

COMMUNITY – INTEGTRIY – CHALLENGE – AMBITION – RESPECT – STRENGTH

New to the 2023-25 programme, candidates will be supported to plan and implement a project of their choice that encompasses at least two of the Scottish Hockey values. Projects should aim to be sustainable and encourage club or district growth. Scottish Hockey will then assign a mentor who can support the project theme proposed. Throughout the 18 months, the cohort will come together to discuss their projects then at the end of the programme, candidates will present back to the cohort, Scottish Hockey, and special guests. Then they will graduate from Lead the Way at a celebratory Graduation! 

Examples of projects undertaken by Lead the Way alumni include: 

  • Link club with local charity – volunteers support charity lunches and sports club. 
  • Mental Health study – introduction of Welfare Officer (Since introducing in 2021, this has had a domino effect encouraging several clubs around Scotland to do the same). 
  • Social media within club – building on club brand, creating and implementing a communication plan. 
  • Enhance club to school link – to build on school hockey programme. 
  • Start another team within the club (for example, introducing ladies 3s).

Who is Lead the Way for?

Lead the Way is aimed at ambitious people in the hockey community. Whether you are finding your place within a club or are already in a volunteering role, then Lead the Way can educate and empower you to achieve your potential. The programme is targeted at individuals 18 and over and are eager to:

Impact of Lead the Way:

Through Lead the Way, Scottish Hockey aims to provide current and future club/district leaders with the confidence and ability to lead and support the hockey community. By embedding our values in our people, our people promote these values in our clubs and so across the sport. By the end of the programme, candidates will have planned and implemented a project within their club that aims to be sustainable and contribute to growth of the sport. The programme will enhance the leadership qualities of people undertaking club roles and create club role models/leaders. 

 

What Support Will You Receive?

Scottish Hockey are providing varied means of support to ensure candidates achieve their maximum potential throughout Lead the Way. Support includes: 

  • 1-1 support from a Scottish Hockey mentor throughout the programme. Mentors will be assigned based on project theme / location. 
  • A platform to network and share ideas, successes and raise barriers to club development across Scotland. 
  • Additional opportunities to volunteer with Scottish Hockey and partners. 
  • Access to a wide range of development workshops throughout the programme. 

What does it cost?

The programme costs £75 which covers access to all workshops, online content, bespoke Scottish Hockey mentor support and a Lead the Way branded polo-shirt. The fee can be paid by the individual or the club/district. Accredited clubs receive 50% discount on one place.

How do you apply?

To apply, please create a short video based around the following question: 

Scottish Hockey encompasses these values:

COMMUNITY – INTEGRITY – CHALLENGE – AMBITION – RESPECT – STRENGTH 

Tell us how you show and possess any of these values and what they mean to you in hockey? 

Your video should be no longer than 90 seconds. Feel free to be creative and show off your personality! Previous candidates have used images and background music in their videos. 

Upload your video to YouTube (setting to private) and insert the link into the application form or email to [email protected]. Please keep your video active until the selection process is complete. 

AND

Complete the online application form in full. Click here to submit your application. 

If there are any additional support measures or reasonable adjustments, we can put in place to support your completion of this application, please contact Mekala on [email protected]   

Apply HERE

Applications are open from Monday 2nd October to Sunday 29th October 2023.

What do clubs do next?

Please send Lead the Way information to anyone within your club you feel would suit the criteria. This is a fantastic learning and development opportunity for individuals at your club to enhance club development and growth! We would love to see clubs from all over Scotland have candidates taking part in the programme and leading the way!

Further Questions?

For further information or to answer any questions, please contact your Regional Manager:

North District: Chris Anderson [email protected]

West District: Lorna Esson [email protected]  

East District: Mekala Osborne  [email protected]