Congratulations to Ellie Winzer - Hockey NSW Hookin2Hockey Coordinator of the Year

The Hookin2Hockey Coordinator of the Year Award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in introducing young players to hockey, fostering their skills, and creating a lasting love for the game. This year, Ellie stands out as a remarkable nominee for her unwavering dedication, innovative approach, and ability to create a positive and inclusive environment for participants.

Passion and Expertise Fuel Ellie’s Success

Ellie’s passion for hockey is evident in her extensive involvement at multiple levels of the sport. Her enthusiasm not only inspires young players but also reinforces her role as a mentor and leader. With years of experience in junior development, Ellie has shown an exceptional ability to connect with young players, tailoring programs to their unique needs and fostering a supportive atmosphere for learning.

Her organisational skills are another standout quality, as Ellie seamlessly manages Hookin2Hockey schedules, registrations, equipment, and communications. Combined with her excellent communication abilities, she ensures that parents, players, and volunteers feel informed and valued at every step.

Driving Innovation and Growth in Hookin2Hockey

Ellie’s contributions to the Hookin2Hockey program have led to notable improvements and achievements. These include:

• Boosting Visibility: By implementing targeted promotional strategies through local schools and social media, Ellie significantly increased program registrations.
• Structured and Flexible Sessions: She introduced a structured weekly curriculum focused on specific skills while offering flexible scheduling options, including dedicated training and game days.
• Tailored Coaching: By grouping participants by age and ability, Ellie ensured personalised coaching, allowing players to grow at their own pace.
• Game-Day Engagement: The addition of game days provided a fun, hands-on application of learned skills, keeping participants motivated and excited.
• Community Involvement: Ellie actively encouraged parental participation, fostering a sense of community and pride within the program.
• Continuous Improvement: Through regular feedback loops with parents and players, Ellie refined the program, making it more effective and enjoyable.

Creating a Positive and Inclusive Environment

Ellie’s approach prioritises fun, ensuring that every session is welcoming and enjoyable for participants. By celebrating individual progress and grouping children by skill level, she creates an environment where players feel comfortable and confident.

Her inclusive communication style encourages feedback and involvement from parents, ensuring they feel part of their children’s hockey journey. Additionally, Ellie emphasises team-building and camaraderie, helping players form friendships and feel a sense of belonging within the hockey community.

Her adaptable coaching techniques accommodate players of all abilities, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their skill level, can participate and thrive.

An Inspiring Role Model for the Hockey Community

Ellie’s dedication, innovation, and leadership have left a lasting impact on the Hookin2Hockey program. Her ability to create an engaging, inclusive, and fun environment makes her an outstanding candidate for the Hookin2Hockey Coordinator of the Year Award.

Through her efforts, Ellie has not only grown participation but also ignited a lifelong passion for hockey in young players, ensuring the future of the sport is bright.