Oxfordshire's Hockey Development Group was originally formed in 1996 to co-ordinate the development of hockey at all levels within the county and especially to act as the link between Schools and County & Club hockey.  In addition to the commitment of the main hockey associations of the time, the Group also included representatives from the five District Councils in Oxfordshire and club representatives where appropriate.   

To provide focus on development activities, a three year County Development plan was created and funds made available through the Sports Council (now Sport England) and local District Councils.  Even though hockey development funding is now under the wing of the Active Sports Partnership (see next paragraph), the underlying Aims and Objectives of the Development Group are still valid today and are reproduced below.

During late 1999 and 2000 (as the first three-year plan came to a conclusion), a Hockey Active Sports Group took over and during the period from Autumn 1999 until Spring 2001 work took place to develop a plan for the next five years.  This new plan is closely tied with the Sport England Active Sports initiative and in February 2001 the work reached a conclusion as the 5-year funding application has been produced, issued and agreed. 

This has subsequently funded the part-time appointment of an Oxfordshire Hockey Activator who works for Oxfordshire HA to act as the catalyst for new hockey development in the county for players, coaches and umpires and at school, club and representative levels. 
 

Aim:

• Junior development: To increase and improve opportunities for young people to play and receive coaching at their chosen level. This is achieved by setting up club open days, encouraging schools to set up after-school clubs, running Champion Coaching schemes and through the running and support of mini-hockey competitions.

• Developing links between clubs & schools: The group is helping to develop links through the production of a school/club link package. Schools and clubs are also encouraged to appoint Liaison Officers. Roadshows are available to take place in schools with club members taking part; coaching children and giving advice to teachers. An equipment loan scheme is available to clubs and schools.

• Developing clubs: The group acts as an information point for clubs; providing advice and support, assisting clubs in writing development plans and running junior club workshops

• Coach & Official development: The group provides support to people involved in coaching and officiating or who wish to become involved in these areas. Support is provided through the establishment of county hockey coaches and umpiring associations, through a variety of coach and umpire education courses and through the preparation of a hockey resource pack for use in primary schools.

• Raising the profile of hockey: The group is helping to raise the profile of hockey through the production of publicity leaflets, by establishing district-based development groups and by setting out partnership funding for the implementation of the county hockey development plan.