Developing hockey at grassroot levels

Coaching clinics aimed at developing hockey skills amongst rural children and promoting hockey as a sport were hosted in the //Karas region last week.
The Bank Windhoek Hockey festival was attended by 120 learners from four primary schools in Keetmanshoop, namely Mina Sachs, Krönlein, Don Bosco and St. Mathias.
The Festival was on its climax during the three-day event which started with a coaching clinic for coaches, followed by coaching clinics for the learners as well.
Coaches and parents were impressed that players could play hockey after six hours of training. Since last year, the Namibia Hockey Union and Bank Windhoek conducted five coaching clinics in the Hardap, Khomas, Kavango West, Zambezi and //Karas regions.
The hockey union is having a three year plan (2015-2017) to introduce hockey to all 14 regions. During 2016 they will still introduce the game to the Omaheke, Kunene, Otjozondjupa, Oshana and Erongo regions. The remaining regions, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Outapi and Kavango East will be covered during 2017.
The program is earmarked to develop hockey at grass root level, and will only focus on four schools per region.
This programme is only for U12 boys and girls, with each school requested to identify 15 boys and 15 girls born in 2004 or younger. Each school should also identify one or two coaches to attend the coaching clinics.
“On behalf of the NHU I would like to thank Bank Windhoek Keetmanshoop branch for their support and handing over the equipment to the four schools,” said Erwin Handura, Development Manager at the NHU.
During the 2nd term (June – July) league matches will be played between the four schools in all the regions introduced to hockey since 2015 and any other school having their own equipment.