ProFin Partners with Team Bath Hockey and Team Bath Buccaneers Hockey Club to Launch New Coaching and Umpiring Bursary Scheme

Team Bath Buccaneers today announced a significant new partnership ProFin and Team Bath Hockey to establish the "ProFin Coaching & Umpiring Bursary," a dedicated scheme designed to support and encourage University of Bath (UOB) students actively involved in the Team Bath Hockey programme and Team Bath Buccaneers Hockey Club to gain coaching and umpiring qualifications.

This initiative aims to develop the next generation of hockey leaders by removing financial barriers and rewarding commitment to officiating and coaching within the university and club setup. The bursary is available exclusively to UOB students who qualify after joining the University and demonstrate active participation within the hockey programme provided by Team Bath Buccaneers and Team Bath Hockey.

The ProFin Coaching & Umpiring Bursary structure includes:

• £100 Bursary: Awarded to students who achieve their Level 1 Coaching qualification and remain active coaches within the programme.
• £100 Bursary: Awarded to students who achieve their Level 1 Umpiring qualification, payable after successfully umpiring five official matches.
• £200 Bursary: Awarded to students who achieve their Level 2 Coaching qualification and remain active coaches within the programme.
• £200 Bursary: Awarded to students who achieve their Level 2 Umpiring qualification. Recipients will typically be expected to be active umpires within the West Hockey Association leagues.

In addition to the qualification bursaries, the scheme will recognise outstanding development through:

• £50 Bonus Award: Presented to the "Most Improved Coach" and "Most Improved Umpire" at both Christmas and the end of the season.

This new bursary scheme complements the existing structure where standard coaching and umpiring match/session fees are paid to students. ProFin's commitment, estimated at £3,200 annually, will support the projected uptake of approximately 10 Level 1 Coaches, 10 Level 1 Umpires, 4 Level 2 Coaches, and 1 Level 2 Umpire each year.

Martin Pellow, Chairman of Team Bath Buccaneers HC stated: ‘Investing in coaching and umpiring development is crucial for the health of the sport. This bursary will provide a tangible pathway for students to gain valuable qualifications and leadership skills while contributing significantly to the club and the wider hockey community. This is a fantastic initiative, and we are incredibly grateful to ProFin for their generous support"

The ProFin Coaching and Umpiring Bursary represents a significant investment in grassroots hockey development, providing valuable financial assistance and recognition for University of Bath students dedicated to enhancing their skills and supporting the sport.

ProFin is committed to supporting community development and fostering opportunities within university sport.

Students interested in the scheme should contact Keith Walters, Director of Hockey for Team Bath Buccaneers HC at Message Keith Walters