Launched by Spencer Hockey Club in 2019, to address a lack of diversity at the Club, through our Lynx Programme we deliver hockey coaching to local children who have not had the opportunity to play hockey at or outside school. We have been recognised by England Hockey as an example of ground-breaking outreach, and we won their National Diversity and Inclusivity Award in 2023.
Spencer Lynx is registered with the Charity Commission, as Registered Charity Number 1188217.
The Lynx Programme
A two-year programme of weekend hockey coaching for state school primary children, which is entirely free of charge - no membership fee, all kit and equipment included.
The programme allows children to be active and learn hockey skills, while experiencing all the social benefits of being part of a Club - a new experience for the vast majority. At the end of the programme, children have attained a level of skill and experience that allows them to join a mainstream hockey club, with financial assistance if needed.
We recruit children to the Lynx programme by delivering hockey sessions in schools which have high levels of pupil premium – our ‘talent spot sessions’. We work with schools to reach those children who have had little or no opportunity to play sport, and who would most benefit from the programme. We aim for a 50:50 ratio of boys:girls.
We reward attendance milestones, to keep the children coming back, including unique bronze through gold awards, culminating with a rainbow award (inspired by the pandemic); and a ‘hockey stick licence’, entitling children to keep their own stick.
The programme is supplemented by after-school hockey in the summer months, to keep the children active and engaged; holiday camps at Spencer Hockey Club, which are free of charge to children on free school meals; and opportunities to watch international hockey.
We want to instil in children a sporting habit that they will carry into later life.
‘This experience so far has been incredible and helped my child grow and become so much more confident and helped them manage their anxiety. I can hardly recognise them from the beginning of the journey.'
Our Partners
We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
