Exploring inclusion with Spencer Lynx

The weekly programme is completely free to attend, with kit and equipment supplied to all. 

The club relies on engagement with the local schools, specifically those with the highest pupil premium and numbers of children accessing free school meals.

The Spencer Lynx team have sought to develop their relationship with the nearby schools and build trust to host school events and learn more about the community and their needs. 

Initially the team went into local state schools to provide hockey training and identify those in greatest need (whether that be through free school meals, access or otherwise), who were then given talent spot letters to take home, inviting them to join Spencer Lynx.

The trustees wanted children to feel a sense of pride in receiving a letter and happily engage with the club as a result. 

All volunteers had previously been engaged in the club and were passionate about hockey and the power of belonging to a club. 

The trustees noted an easy process of getting buy-in from volunteers to the programme because of the family-focused values of Spencer.

Trustee Donna explained that part of the appeal is the obvious benefit to the children, making it easy for volunteers to engage and stay committed to the club. 

This meant the introduction of an inclusive, cost-free programme was something that was more readily achieved through the introduction of Spencer Lynx, as a satellite club to Spencer.  

Donna highlighted that there can be difficult conversations around free or subsidised provisions, but Spencer Lynx aimed to interact with those who need it most through the talent-spotting programme.

In fact, the club decided that self-referral or attendance requests would not be accepted, to ensure that underserved community members are the focus.

There was a resounding appreciation for the cost-free nature of club involvement, positive comments on the inclusion of different schools from the area, and general gratitude for how much fun their child has at the club.

This sense of enjoyment was reflected in conversations with the participants, all of whom seemed happy to be at the club, mentioning their love for match play, tournaments, and playing with their friends.  

Since its inception, the club was able to provide opportunities for 50 children in the first year, 40 of whom remained for the second, and a further 60 were recruited for 2020. So far, 36 children have been able to move from Spencer Lynx to Spencer Hockey Club, to continue their hockey journey.

While the intention of the club is not to act as a stepping-stone, this development is very positive and reaffirms the connection between the two clubs. Spencer Lynx were able to expand their operations in 2021 and 2022, recruiting around 100 children in each of those years. 

Additional success for Spencer Lynx has been found in the funding and support from the community. Some independent schools in the area have linked with the club and provided kit, coaching and equipment to aid the club’s long-term sustainability.

Volunteer recruitment can be difficult, the increasing costs of hiring facilities are a great burden, and ultimately the club, particularly with no costs to attendees, is expensive to maintain.

While there have been successful grant applications, the club feels as though it's in a constant cycle of requesting money that can be tiresome and thankless. 

A further challenge is the sensitivities around engaging children from lower-socio economic groups.

There is a desire to remove stigma around offering free provisions and ensure that those engaging are simply enjoying their time, developing their physical literacy and linking with their local community.