Tarmac To Astro

Executive Headteacher at Oldfield Park Schools in Bath, Dave Goucher, has described the impact of the Team Bath Buccaneers Community Outreach programme; "At OPJ we have been really pleased and privileged to access the Bath Buccaneers Hockey Outreach Programme since the start of this academic year. This has consisted of an afternoon a week of curriculum and extra-curricular hockey being delivered by Bath Buccaneers coaches (Laura and, more recently, Lou). The two 45-minute curriculum PE sessions have focussed upon developing basic and key skills, small games and, moreover, promoting enjoyment. Every child at OPJ, circa 240, has had four of these sessions, as it has been delivered in a round robin way across all year groups Y3-Y6 through a term. Indeed, spreading the love for hockey and the benefits of the sport has been paramount - no mean feat given that the sessions take place on a rather bumpy playground with some rather antique equipment! 

With regards to extra-curricular hockey opportunities, it has been great to have an extra pair of hands to support the OPJS Hockey Club and for the team to have access to some great coaching - as opposed to me! Not only has the skill level, game management and quality improved, but also enabled the club to be open to Year 3 children, thus boosting numbers further. All in all, a great result all round!

Finally, one of the other benefits of the programme has been the opportunity to participate in the Bath Buccaneers Festivals. Indeed, OPJS thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas Festival and it was great for the U10 and U12 teams pit their wits against more accomplished opposition as well as playing on astro - some children for the first time! We are looking forward to participating in the next one as well as the BaNES 6-a-side tournament next term.

Thank you to Keith, Lou, Laura as well as all at Bath Buccaneers for this great opportunity and we are looking forward to benefitting from it for the rest of this academic year as well as next year."