The Morley Glass Leeds Knights have teamed up with the West Cluster who support schools in Bramley, Pudsey and Inner West, to bring the excitement of ice hockey into schools across the city, reaching 800 children during the first half-term of the school year.
The Leeds Knights have launched a new community programme this year, working in partnership with the West Cluster to introduce young people to the sport of ice hockey.
Through a series of school assemblies delivered by Knights players, children are being given the chance to learn more about the game, discover what it takes to become an ice hockey player and hear first-hand about the journeys that have led the players to where they are today.
Sam Hinchliffe, Director of Business Operations at Leeds Knights, said: “It’s important for us as a club to engage with the local community. We’re a real community-focused, family-orientated sport and we’ve loved going into schools to deliver these assemblies and hopefully inspire the next generation, on and off the ice.”
The assemblies give an overview of the sport that many may never have experienced up close. Knights players explain the basics of ice hockey, introduce the equipment they use and describe the safety features that help protect players on the ice.
A key part of the sessions is allowing pupils to try on hockey gear while learning about its purpose and importance. The interactive sessions also allow pupils to ask questions, hear about life as an ice hockey player and develop an understanding of the dedication, resilience and teamwork involved in playing the sport.
By sharing their own personal journeys, the players showcase the different paths that can lead into ice hockey, helping to make the sport more accessible and relatable to young people.
Leeds Knights forward Balint Pakozdi said: “I think it’s always good to tell more people about ice hockey and who the Leeds Knights are. It’s good for us as a team to give back to the community; it’s the community that have given a lot to us.
“I love talking to the children and showing them the equipment. They’re always so excited and I just want them to get excited about ice hockey. I think if they can have even half of the love that we have for the sport, then that’s awesome. I just want them to get the conversation going and as long as it creates that excitement, that’s the most important to me.”
At the heart of the programme is a commitment to strengthening links with the local community and inspiring more people to discover ice hockey. By introducing the sport to a wider audience, the Knights aim to not only grow the game in Leeds and encourage the next wave of fans, but also to support the development of the club’s junior programme. Encouraging more children to take to the ice creates a stronger pathway for young players to develop their skills and progress through the ranks.
The importance of this pathway was highlighted last season, when eight players under the age of 18 represented the Leeds Knights senior team. This reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent, creating opportunities for home-grown players and building a sustainable future for the team.
Jason Askham, Targeted Service Leader, West Cluster (including Bramley, Pudsey & Inner West Cluster) said: “The partnership with the Leeds Knights has been incredibly valuable for our schools and young people. Reaching over 800 children in such a short period demonstrates the power of organisations working together to create meaningful opportunities. The programme has not only introduced pupils to a new sport but has already had a positive impact on hundreds of young people and helps broaden their aspirations by introducing them to opportunities they may not otherwise have experienced.”
The programme has made a strong start throughout the first half-term of the school year, and the Knights look forward to continuing their work with local schools as the season progresses.
For more information, please contact office@leedsknights.com. Our current catchment is within the West Cluster only.
