Why Should You Become a Hockey Young Ambassador?
Posted by Nobody on 26 June 2019
Becoming a Hockey Young Ambassador, is a fantatsic opportuinity to develop as an individual and take part in amazing opportunities. However, not eveyone is aware of what the HYA programme is, or what it entails.
The Young Ambassador Programme is suitable for people aged between 13-21 who each have a passion for developing hockey experiences and opportunites for the younger generation. The HYA Programme is designed to support and recognose the commitment young people give to hockey. The programme strives to actively develop young leaders and volunteers within the sport; giving young people that all important voice! A Hockey Young Ambassador is responsible for raising the profile of hockey whilst developing their club's status. The programme is delivered by Hockey Wales and works alongside the widely recognised; Youth Sport Trust Young Ambassador Programme which is led by Sport Wales.
The question many are probably wondering is, what's in it for you?!
- You will have a voice within the Hockey Community.
- You will be part of a fun and energetic team who share the same passion.
- Education and University Support.
- Encourages a sense of achievement.
- Improves self-confidence.
- You will develop social networking skills.
- Employability Skills Development.
- You will be given the opportunitiy to become a mentor/role model for others.
- You will have the opportunitiy to attend and volunteer in National/International Events.
The Ambassador role itself, would mean that each individual would have to:
- Increase hockey participation in schools and communities.
- Promotoe the positive values of sport through hockey.
- Be a role model in advocating hockey.
- Be the young people's voice in schools, club and communities.
Similalry, the key responsivbilties a HYA would often have to undertake are:
- Coaching hockey in a club environment.
- Running sessions in schools to promote hockey opportunities.
- Organising events such as fundraisers, tournaments, parties, awards evening amd club events.
- Volunteer at National Events such as Cup Finals, Youth Finals, International Matches and Hockey Wales Awards.
Within this programme there are different levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platninum. Each level reqiuires diffferent levels of ability and commitment, However, equally as important to the ambassador programme.
As a hockey club, we have introduced the Bronze ambassador scheme to our younger confident junior memebrs. Their role is to deliver any information from their teams to the silver ambassadors, creating a strong link between the junior members and ambassadors who will then take the information to the committee. Therefore, giving them a voice and a chance to express their feelings and ideas, all in the hope of a rise in junior hockey participation.
The Silver level (Stage) is the first hockey wales stage of the programme; anyone aged 14 – 18 can apply to become a Silver HYA. No previous experience as a Young Ambassador is required. All applicants must be a member of a hockey club and have an enthusiastic attitude towards increasing the amount of people playing or supporting the delivery of hockey. There is no need to worry about expeirence and knowledge, as training will be provided to ensure all HYA’s develop confidence and enhance their skill set by the end of their first year as a HYA.
The second hockey wales level (Stage) of the programme. The majority of HYA's look to continue and progress througgh the programme to become a Gold HYA; once they have experienced the Silver level. Gold hockey ambassadors are the voice of young people within their area as well as attending a Hockey Wales development group forum.
Finally, the very top level of the HYA programme is Platinum! The HYA's within this stage are committed volunteers to the hockey world, having gained vital skills throuhout the HYA programme. Some examples of the activities they undertaken include: public speaking to fellow HYA's, chairing and leading meetings and presentng to the board of directors and local authority contacts. The Platninum hockey ambassadors are selected by Hockey Wales. Whilst being a Platninum ambassdor you will also become a member of the Hockey Wales Steering Group. Currently one of our CAHC members, Laura Massochi is a part of this and hopes to use her platform to promote the sport as well as the HYA programme n the South West.
We spoke to a few of our clubs current young ambassadors, and this is what they had to say:
Laura Massocchi (Platninum Ambassador) - "I became a Hockey Young Ambassador 3 years ago this September. This is honestly one of the best decisions I have ever made, as I have become more involved within the clubs success and have an important role. In all honesty, when I first applied I did have second thoughts. However, as soon as I saw and experienced all the opportunities that came with the role and saw how I could help inspire and change the way, people see hockey as not just a sport but as a fun activity; I knew I had made the right choice. I took on this role to help others and to help my club progress and be recognised by the local community and further, by setting up a fundraising scheme. This has also dramatically imporved my confidence and communication skills, with others whilst at University".
Ffion Dart (Gold Ambassador) - "I would definitely reccomend becoming a HYA as it helped me to develop my co offence in umpiring and it also started my carerr in coaching, by encouraging me to start volunteering with the club. If I hadn't of done this, I wouldn't be doin what I do on a daily basis!! It helps with your communication skills with people and opens up many opportunities such as courses and open days to attend"!
Mia Squires (Silver Ambassador) - "I have currently been a HYA for a year now this september. I wanted to become one to simply help out within the club and volunteer with the juniors. I'd reccomned being a Hockey Young Ambassador because I have dveloped my skills and become more involved and have an important role within the club".
Anna Knuckles (Just Applied) - "I applied to become a Hockey Young Ambassador to help and inspire young players, and let them become more confident players".
If you wish to become a Hockey Young Ambassador, represnt your club and imporve the quality of hockey in your area; please get in touch! Likewise, if you're confident in your ability to become a Young Ambassador please complete the following form s://bit.ly/31ieWOO. Similarly, if you are currently a Hockey Young Ambassador and you wish to continue your role, or prehaps progress to the next stage; please complete this form https://bit.ly/2XGVnO0
For more information, or any questions please get in touch:
- Facebook - @CarmarthenHockeyClub
- Twitter - @CarmsHockeyClub
- Instagram - @CarmsHockeyClub
- Email - Carmarthenathletichockeyclub@gmail.com
- Laura Massocchi (Platninum HYA) - Laura2Massocchi@outlook.com
- Amanda Roberts (Club Development Officer) - amanda.roberts@hockeywales.org.uk
