MAD Hockey Coaching

Developing the developers.

Last week we delivered a CPD session for Urdd coaches, supported by Hockey Wales.

Because thriving environments don’t happen by chance.

They’re built by coaches who:

• create belonging
• give clear, simple feedback
• plan with purpose
• lead with calm standards

When coaches grow, players thrive.

This work sits at the heart of our MAD Lead programme - supporting coaches to build environments where young people feel secure enough to improve and confident enough to grow.

Today we had the privilege of supporting the Torfaen Primary Schools Festival 🏑

Days like this are what hockey should be about:
energy, encouragement, teamwork, confidence, and giving young people a positive place to grow.

One of our favourite moments was recognising one player from each school with a gifted hockey stick - not simply for ability, but for their attitude, effort, growth, and the way they embraced the day.

Those sticks were generously donated by a local business to help break down barriers to entry and make the game more accessible for more young people.

That matters to us.

Because development is about far more than performance.
It’s about helping children feel included, supported, and confident enough to keep showing up.

We’re also incredibly grateful that opportunities like this are made possible through the support of our MAD community and business champions, helping us get coaches like Ieuan, Ethan and Matty out into schools and festivals to support young players across South Wales.

If you’d like to support more opportunities like this - as a local business, partner or community champion - we’d love to hear from you.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in making the festival such a positive day for the players.

This is what “Making a Difference” looks like. 💚💛🖤

HockeyWales SchoolSport GrassrootsSport FieldHockey SouthWalesSport

A few moments from our Easter Camp 📸

A really good few days lots of energy, plenty of learning and clear progress from everyone 💛

It was great to see confidence growing and players enjoying their hockey 🏑

MAD Dragons Boys – Training Group 🐉

62 triallists.
A huge amount of effort, energy, and intent.

This group now heads into the UK Lions Tournament, but the bigger picture is what matters most:

Players developing
Confidence growing
A stronger hockey community across South Wales

Proud of everyone involved in the process.

If you’d like to support this group on their journey this summer - as a sponsor, partner, or supporter - we’d love to hear from you.

Be part of something that’s growing.

A brilliant start to our first ever Dragons trials 🐉

Over 60 players involved, who all put in a brilliant level of effort and intent throughout

9v9 games, goal scoring scenarios and possession based activities
A great opportunity for the players to express themselves and be challenged in a positive environment

We are looking forward to the next trial this evening 🔴

Not every child feels they belong in sport

Too many drop out early
Too many lose confidence before it’s built

That’s why Connect exists 🌟

To create an environment where players feel supported and valued

Where belonging comes first 🤝
So development can follow 🏑