The new National Performance Centre (NPC) initiatives announced by England Hockey in September 2007 are to be put into practice this year as the pilot scheme kicks off this month.

The East Midlands NPC which will be based at Nottingham Trent University and Loughborough University will provide players with top quality coaching and services, whilst also supporting the development of their academic qualifications.

The scheme has been established by England Hockey and is aimed at 18-23 year-old players who are studying at NPC institutions. As well as specialist coaching there will be world-class strength and conditioning programmes to give athletes top physiotherapy, lifestyle and medical support. There are four centres in total, three of which will be fully operational from September 2008 following the East Midlands pilot with the fourth following in 2009.

James Hayter, Director of Sport and Lifestyle at Nottingham Trent University said “Establishing this National Performance Centre demonstrates the growing reputation of Nottingham Trent University in sport, and our ability and determination to deliver high quality services to elite athletes”.  He continued “England Hockey has shown great belief in our potential to become a major player in the future of hockey in this country. It is likely that a number of Great Britain hockey players at the 2012 Olympics will have gone through the National Performance Centre system.”

Head of Performance Sport at Loughborough University, Andy Borrie, is equally pleased with his establishment’s participation and commented: “I am delighted Loughborough University has been chosen to be part of the first National Performance Centre. The fact we’ve been selected as the only pilot and are ready to start in January is testament to the quality programme we already have in place.

 “This exciting new partnership will enable us to build on our history of expertise in elite hockey and will give the country’s best young players the opportunity to continue their studies whilst receiving world class coaching and support.”

David Faulkner, England Hockey Performance Director, said “The NPC will provide athletes with an opportunity to excel in a highly competitive performance environment with support that ensures their educational aspirations are not damaged. At the same time, it will allow the delivery of technical input to enhance skill development and give players the highest quality strength and conditioning, physiotherapy and lifestyle support.”

Sally Munday, England Hockey Development Director, said “The centre is a vital component in our plans to provide a consistent and equitable pathway for players. We were extremely impressed by the enthusiasm and creativity of the bid for this NPC and are very excited about the opportunities that it will offer our talented hockey players.”

Source: England Hockey