Three Scottish hockey clubs secure support from Club Support Programme to build stronger futures

ESM Hockey Club, Kelburne Hockey Club and Fjordhus Reivers Hockey Club will use Club Support Programme investment to strengthen their clubs, support volunteers and create new opportunities for people to play hockey in their communities.

The three Scottish Hockey clubs are celebrating after securing support through sportscotland’s Club Support Programme, providing a major boost to their ambitions to grow and strengthen hockey at local level.

ESM Hockey Club, Kelburne Hockey Club and Fjordhus Reivers will use the investment to create dedicated capacity within their organisations, supporting projects focused on participation, coaching, community engagement, inclusion, volunteer development and long-term sustainability.

The Club Support Programme provides financial backing for paid roles designed to strengthen sports clubs and community organisations, helping them build capacity while supporting the vital contribution already made by volunteers.

Scottish Hockey CEO Derek Keir said:

“This is fantastic news for ESM, Kelburne and Fjordhus Reivers, and a positive step forward for hockey in their communities.

“Our clubs are at the heart of our sport. They are where people discover hockey, where young players develop, and where volunteers give their time and passion to create opportunities for others.

“This support provides these three clubs with the opportunity to invest in the people and structures that will help them grow sustainably. Each project is different, but they share an ambition to make hockey more accessible and create stronger pathways for people to stay involved in the sport.

“We are delighted to see their hard work and ambition recognised, and we look forward to seeing the impact these projects will have.”

For ESM Hockey Club, the funding will help take its successful Ferry Road Project to the next level.

A dedicated Ferry Road Project Coordinator and Lead Coach will work 12 hours per week over three years, providing the leadership and structure needed to develop the community outreach programme.

The project reached 10 primary schools and more than 1,000 children in its first year, introducing hockey to young people who may otherwise have had limited opportunities to access the sport.

ESM now wants to build stronger pathways from schools into club hockey, increase participation among diverse communities and develop the next generation of coaches and leaders.

In Renfrewshire, Kelburne Hockey Club is looking to put hockey back at the heart of the community following a 15-year absence of meaningful local hockey provision.

Support will allow the club to appoint a dedicated Club Development Officer for an initial two-year period.

Following the redevelopment of the hockey facility at On-X Sports Centre, the club will focus on creating opportunities across primary and secondary schools, developing Schools of Hockey and building clearer pathways from a child’s first experience of hockey into club participation.

The project will also introduce opportunities such as Step into Hockey and Walking Hockey, helping people of different ages and abilities discover or return to the sport.

For Fjordhus Reivers, the investment will help turn the club’s recent growth into a more sustainable future.

Dedicated development capacity will support the club to strengthen funding and sponsorship opportunities, develop partnerships, support volunteers and governance, and build stronger links with schools and community organisations.

With a growing junior section and established adult, Futures and Performance pathways, the project will also focus on participation and retention, particularly helping young people continue their hockey journey into adulthood.

While the three projects are different, they share a common goal – creating stronger clubs where more people can discover, enjoy and stay involved in hockey.

The investment will help clubs build the capacity behind participation, supporting coaches and volunteers, strengthening partnerships and creating sustainable pathways for players.

For Scottish Hockey, the success of ESM, Kelburne and Fjordhus Reivers is an encouraging example of the ambition and potential that exists across the club network.

 

 

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