Dubai Youth Hockey Club (DYHC), the first youth hockey development coaching programme in the UAE, aimed at developing the skills and sportsmanship of young hockey players in the emirate, is looking forward to a successful season following the announcement of two local club sponsors, Avery Office Supplies and HSS health & safety training consultancy for the 2014/15 season.

The support has come at a time when Dubai Youth Hockey Club (DYHC) has seen a surge of interest by youngsters in learning and playing the sport and coincides with the UAE Hockey Federation’s move towards a more structured game with national leagues set to support hockey at grassroot level.

Founded in 2012, by Nadia Schwarz a level 1 Federation Internationale de Hockey (FIH) hockey coach and active member of Fantasticks Ladies Hockey Club, DYHC develops the sporting talent of children aged between 4 and 16 years and follows the Hockey Australia FIH youth coaching programme – hookin2Hockey – designed to teach the skills and rules of hockey using a game-centred approach.

This year, we have seen our youth coaching programmes attract over 100 participants from across the UAE,” said Nadia Schwarz. All our coaches are experienced hockey players and together we aim to develop new and aspiring talent into well-rounded athletes and sports men and women who love the sport of hockey. Working at grassroot level, the backing of two local businesses is extremely welcomed, as is the support of our venue Horizon International School, thanks to everyone we are now able to provide extra equipment, sports kits and branding at our coaching sessions to really develop the sport.” added Nadia.

The Dubai Youth Hockey Club coaching sessions, are held at Horizon International School in Um Al Sheif, Dubai, and take place on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with specific sessions for under 8’s, under 11’s and 12+ years. There is also a league for children aged 9 and over. Coaching sessions are paid in advance and vary according to the number of weeks. (Approximately AED65 per session) alternatively, DYHC offers a-come-and-try rate of AED100 per session depending on availability.

For further information on DYHC, timings and coaching sessions contact Nadia Schwarz at DYHC by email at dubaiyouthhockey@gmail.com or telephone +971 (0) 944 6172.