College announces new @HockeyWales partnership

NPTC Group of Colleges is delighted to announce a new partnership with Hockey Wales, which will see its Powys colleges involved with the Powys Young Coach Academy.

Hockey Wales has worked closely with Brecon Beacons College in the past, and now, along with Newtown College, students will form part of a pool of coaches that will work with primary schools across the county.

As part of the agreement, both colleges will support projects such as ‘Hooked on Hoci’ and other initiatives delivered by Hockey Wales.

The Young Coach Academy is designed to offer coaching opportunities, development sessions and ongoing support to the upcoming cohort of coaches aged 14-21 across Powys.

Students will then deliver ‘Hooked on Hoci’ sessions in primary schools in their respective areas, gaining invaluable coaching experience alongside one of Wales’ national sporting organisations.

Both parties have a strong presence in Mid Wales, with Hockey Wales having a Club Development Officer specifically for the area and NPTC Group of Colleges having two key colleges in Brecon and Newtown.

Hockey Wales and NPTC Group of Colleges are committed to improving the lives of young people across Wales and beyond.

Elliot Pottinger, Hockey Wales’ Club Development Officer (Mid Wales), said: “Growing and improving the workforce is one key element of ensuring Hockey Wales can improve people’s lives across the country.

“The Powys Young Coach Academy signals the start of a positive support structure for young people starting their coaching journey. One main aim is to help NPTC Group of Colleges’ students become more confident and capable young people, whether that be whilst they coach or in other aspects of their lives.

“We look forward to working with NPTC Group of Colleges to test a slightly different approach to coach development, supporting coaches over a longer period of time than usual to ensure they are comfortable with delivering and are excellent advocates for the sport.”