CHC Does Crowdfunding

Why are we Crowdfunding?

We desperately need to reintroduce hockey into our local schools following a sustained period of schools no longer coaching hockey. In 2021 we launched an incredibly successful Schools Outreach project. We engaged with 23 schools in our district and were able to on board 13 to our project. Across all three terms we provided 6 sessions of free of charge to schools, hosted by our qualified and DBS certified coaches with equipment provided. In total we were able to teach hockey to over 500 children with huge success and praise from our local schools. The project came to a close due to lack of funding which is why, in collaboration with Sport England, we are Crowdfunding to secure the much needed financial support to restart. 

How we’ll spend the money raised

We will use the money to cover the costs of our qualified coaches, the equipment needed and information booklets about our club. We intend to offer free coaching to all 23 schools in Thanet across the age range of 9-13 primarily in the Autumn term but heading into the spring term too. 

Community impact

There are three pillars to our project. 

1. Restore hockey back in Thanet. With our schools no longer playing the number of students picking up a stick are at an all time low while hockey nationally remains in the top 5 most player sports. This disconnection for our district feels wrong and something we are keen to put right!

2. We want to get the children of Thanet active and playing sport. Since COVID, the volume of children actively involved in sport has dropped and children are not getting outside as much as they could or perhaps should. Our project will introduce hockey in a fun and friendly way with the view to welcome them to our club and develop into future hockey stars. Over the year Cliftonville has produced international hockey players so the potential is untapped!

3. We have a duty to provide affordable sport, something as a club we feel passionately about. We want to make a difference in our community and allow people who have not previously been able to play hockey because it costs money to buy a stick and become a member, to now be able to play hockey. Running alongside the school project the club will be funding free hockey at our junior and adult training sessions throughout the year with new members receiving 2 free sessions. 

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!