THE England Hockey Association (EHA) has announced that Stourport Hockey Club has been shortlisted as one of 37 clubs nationally to work towards Talent Centre Accreditation.

The scheme aims to recognise those clubs that can provide exceptional early talent development environments, building exceptional hockey basics and an understanding of the game through enjoyable experiences.

More than 120 clubs registered their interest to be one of the first clubs signed up to the programme where the EHA selected 37 clubs nationally to be the first to work towards the accreditation, which will start September. The club is the only West Midlands-based club to make the cut.

The club has also received a £1,500 grant from Sport England as part of a “Return to Play” Lottery-funded initiative.

In preparation for a safe return to hockey, the club has invested in a number of initiatives including a one-way system for players to access and leave pitches; producing a series of additional signage as advised by England Hockey, and the purchase of sanitation materials for player and visitor use.

The grant from Sport England will help fund the additional requirements that have been put in place plus contribute towards the purchase of two hockey goals which will allow the Club to double capacity by training in smaller groups across the pitch, providing a safer environment for players.

Club Chair Martin Tucker stated 'we are delighted to receive this grant which be put to very good use to ensure our safe and effective return to play which has already started with our hockey season commencing at the beginning of September. Our thriving junior section, in particular, will benefit from the new goals as we will be able to create smaller training pitches to help both players and goalkeepers to develop their games.”