Turning insight into action: How Hoci Cymru are tackling unmet demand in West Wales

How Hoci Cymru used the School Sport Survey

The School Sport Survey 2022 highlighted that pupils with additional learning needs would take part in more sport if there were opportunities that suited them better. Hoci Cymru used this insight to take targeted action across West Wales.

Using the survey data, they focused on areas with the greatest need and began attending Disability Sport Wales events. From there, momentum quickly started to build.

Since then, Hoci Cymru has:

• Built strong links with 7 ALN schools in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire
• Introduced adapted versions of hockey to these schools, including walking hockey.
• Delivered drop-in hockey sessions in Swansea, in partnership with the University of Trinity Saint David
• Introduced hockey into after-school clubs and holiday camps, working with Sport Pembrokeshire
• Supported disability clubs and half-term camps alongside local authorities, including Neath Port Talbot Council
• Attended multi-sport festivals so children could try hockey in a relaxed environment
• Delivered their first Hoci Cymru inclusion camp and supported existing clubs across the region

What did Hoci Cymru learn?

While the School Sport Survey was their starting point, direct engagement with ALN schools and children shaped how sessions are being delivered.

They have learned:

Information should be short and clear

• Participants often enjoy short, sharp sessions with little information.
• It’s really helpful to demonstrate what you mean.

Chelsea said: “We have learnt that sometimes the less information you give, the better the experience. But it is about the delivery of that small information that makes the difference.” 

There is a sign language knowledge gap

• Hoci Cymru didn’t have the skills to communicate with sign language users.
• Resources have been shared with hockey clubs and coaches to improve communication with participants with hearing impairments.

Chelsea said: “We realised when we were attending or hosting events that teachers and parents were signing. But the coaches and I didn't know any. As a result, we are working with Disability Sport Wales to improve this.”

No whistles help to create calmer environments

• Don’t use whistles because loud noises can be overwhelming.
• Not using whistles makes the session feel less like drills and more like play.

Chelsea said: “We don't use a whistle either indoor or outdoor, due to some participants’ sensitivity to noise, or it being one of their triggers that upsets them. Not having a whistle has created a calmer and more enjoyable environment.”

Sessions should be fun and flexible

• All the sessions are light and fun.
• Skills activities are delivered in a series of short, sharp 10-minute sections to keep children interested.

Chelsea said: “We cover the fundamentals of hockey, but in a circuit format. There are multiple sessions for 10 minutes, then they move onto the next one. 

You don’t need a hockey pitch

• Hockey can be played anywhere – sports halls, astroturf, tennis court or school yards.

Chelsea said: “This has helped us reach more participants across the West. It has reduced the barrier of facility access, giving children the opportunity to try hockey wherever they can. 

Participants should choose their own equipment

• Asking the participant what they want to use to take part gives them choice and flexibility.
• Equipment doesn’t need to be adapted, just varied – those with muscle weaknesses use pool noodles while wheelchair users have used extendable hockey sticks.
• Everything from sticks to balls and cones should be provided in different sizes and different colours.

Chelsea said: “We spent hours trying to adapt our hockey equipment. But after attending events and talking to participants, we realised that we don't need to adapt all of the equipment. All the participants want is to feel like they are equal and have the same opportunities as everyone else.”

Playtime is important

• Children enjoy “free time” to play with the equipment, without instruction or pressure.
• Freedom encourages children to be creative and try new things.

Chelsea said: “Children are told what to do quite a lot throughout the school day. We have created an environment where it is safe for them to try things they want, resulting in a more positive experience.” 

What impact has it made?

Using insight from the School Sport Survey, Hoci Cymru has made hockey more accessible to children and young people across West Wales.

With over 700 pupils having tried hockey, they have now set up three inclusion hockey clubs in West Wales –Cwmtawe, Gowerton and Fishguard - to give disabled children a welcoming place to play hockey.

Next steps for Hoci Cymru

Almost four years after the last School Sport Survey, Hoci Cymru’s work continues to grow.

This year, they are:

• Applying the lessons learned in West Wales to shape inclusive hockey delivery across North and East Wales
• Training more than 100 Hockey Young Ambassadors to adapt equipment and language in sessions, with all qualified to at least Level 1 Disability Sport Wales coaching or volunteering
• Working with Disability Sport Wales to explore embedding hockey disability inclusion training into a multi-sport disability inclusion course
• Beginning to explore opportunities for inclusion clubs in schools to compete against each other, supporting progression into performance pathways
• What started with insight from a national survey has become a sustained, participant-led approach to inclusive hockey.

What can you do?

The next School Sport Survey launches in early 2026, with results available in autumn. 

Hoci Cymru’s journey shows that using the data can be a strong starting point - but real impact comes from listening, adapting and working in partnership with young people and schools.

If you want to create the opportunities children want, start planning now. Learn more about the School Sport Survey