Uddingston presented with EHF Club of the Year

Uddingston Club of the Year 1Uddingston Hockey Club has been presented with the award for EHF Club of the Year Award for Small Clubs 2015. The presentation took place on finals day of the EuroHockey Youth Championship II competition held at the National Hockey Centre in Glasgow.

The club took to the pitch at the National Hockey Cnetre and were presented with their award by Jorge Alcover, Vice-President of the European Hockey Federation (EHF) who made the journey to Glasgow to be there for presentation.

David Goodfellow, Vice-President of Uddingston Hockey Club, said: “As a club we’re over the moon. It rewards us for the work we’ve done over the last few years. To be recognised today is fantastic; we’re very proud and very happy. The next stage is to keep developing, keep improving, and grow things further through our works with youth, seniors, and making hockey open to everyone.

“It’s a good thing for Scotland. We’re part of Scottish Hockey so it puts us all on the map. Scottish Hockey continually support us, and always will support us, so it helps Scottish Hockey’s recognition too.”

Uddingston Club of the Year

After working in partnership with Scottish Hockey’s Development Team to submit their nomination, the EHF considered their candidacy as reflective of its mission to value and recognise strong, well-organised clubs across Europe. They are the first Scottish club to win the award.

Uddingston’s successful application stood out against stiff competition from across the continent, demonstrating excellence against criteria including membership growth, youth development, coach & umpire education, competitions for all ages, local school partnerships, volunteer recognition, business acumen, and generating sponsorship.

Key highlights include:

  • A 292% increase in the number of youth programme participants since 2014.
  • Two players selected for Scotland U16s, one for Scotland U18s.
  • 26% increase in adult membership, creating two additional teams for both men’s and women’s groups.
  • £5000 investment in a goalkeeping academy delivering specific skills training for individuals by qualified GK coach.
  • Employment of three coaches to deliver a 40 week-long schools hockey programme across Glasgow, North and South Lanarkshire to over 14,000 pupils in the 4-16 year old age range.
  • Coach education and mentorship provision that has produced a 3000% increase in qualified hockey leaders, a 116% increase in qualified UKCC Level 1 coaches, and 300% increase in qualified UKCC Level 2 coaches.
  • Umpire education provision that had led to 154% increase in qualified ‘C’ Badge umpires, plus two ‘A’ badge umpires and two International Hockey Federation qualified umpires. Provision of a technical official to high level European events.
  • Comprehensive facilities strategy to include a £700,000 world class pitch development, storage and equipment, training area, video tower, and wireless connectivity. Future plans include development of an indoor hall, a second pitch, new changing facilities, and technical areas.
  • First club in the UK to use a Modern Apprenticeship Programme to provide employment opportunities to young adults.
  • Volunteer recognition and awards.
  • Strong partnerships with local businesses to generate income and investment for club activities, including Riva restaurants, Perfect Glazing, Clinetix, and Palazzo.

The club continues to progress, with a four year business plan now in place, creating more opportunities for people to play hockey and developing its workforce to become the most professionally run club within Scotland.

 

 

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