Bury St Edmunds Hockey Club in Suffolk has unveiled a new youth programme aimed at boosting hockey participation among local schoolchildren.
The initiative, named Bury Larks, offers free taster sessions and structured coaching for pupils aged 7 to 15.
The club is hoping to attract youngsters from both state and private schools by making the sport more accessible. Weekly training sessions are currently held on Tuesday nights at Nowton Park, with plans to expand to Thursdays during the summer.
“We want more kids playing hockey, wherever they come from,” said Emily Denney, who is leading the project. “You don’t need to be fantastic – the sport is for everyone.”
Denney, a regular player for the club’s women’s 5th team, only took up the sport herself just over two years ago. She emphasised that Bury Larks is about building confidence and having fun, while also offering a pathway for those who want to take their skills further.
The initiative is a collaborative effort supported by Denney’s fiancé, men’s club captain Finn Sullivan, and first team coach Harry Reidy.
All three coaches are actively involved in the sessions and see the programme as a reflection of the club’s inclusive, community-driven ethos.
“This is a real family club,” said Reidy. “Everyone contributes – from under-eights to the first team.”
The revitalisation of the pitch at Nowton Park has also been key to the scheme’s launch. Sullivan highlighted ongoing work with England Hockey to protect facilities from conversion to artificial 3G pitches.
“The council are investing to keep hockey alive here,” he said. “We’re proud to be part of that movement.”
Bury Larks is open to all young players looking to try out the sport in a supportive, welcoming environment.
