GB Hockey Inline and IHA have announced a link up between the 2 organisations. Stella Capel, Chairman of GB Hockey Inline commented "GB Hockey Inline are very pleased to have IHA on board, their Skills Award Scheme complements our ideals on the development of the sport and allows GBHI to now offer a complete package to both children and adults who want to become involved with Inline Hockey through the scheme and our coaches and referees programs". The Skills Award Scheme developed by IHA provides basic instruction in all aspects of the sports' skills and participants receive badges and certificates to record their achievement as they pass through each of the 10 levels. Phil Worthington who runs IHA and devised the Scheme added "The Scheme provides for the development of inline hockey by allowing children who have never played the sport to learn the basic skills through a carefully designed structure, but also allows existing players to test the skills they already have through the more advanced higher levels. I am delighted to be involved with GB Hockey Inline as they are by far the most progressive association within the UK and both organisations views on the grass roots development of the sport coupled with the pooling of our respective programs will allow the sport to develop more quickly”. By utilising GBHI’s existing qualified coaches the Scheme will be developed through schools and Local Authority Sports Development departments and a series of coaching qualification programs are planned throughout the country which will be aimed at Local Authority sports centre staff and community groups to allow them to have direct involvement in the running of the Scheme in their own area. The link up sees Phil take up the position of National Development Manager for GB Inline and he joins an experienced management team which will see the National Governing Body take the sport forward for all age groups from grass roots development to international competition. The Skills Award Scheme is offered to existing clubs, Local Authority Sports Development Units and Community Groups and further information on the Skills Award Scheme, Coaching and Refereeing programs can be obtained by contacting: Phil by email phil@gbinline.com or Stella by email stella@gbinline.com Back