24th January 2012
Interview with Debra Barker
There hasn't been a more exciting time to be involved in Hockey in Wales. However, in North Wales there is even more reason to be excited by the changes that are taking place. Introducing, Debra Barker, a name who is familiar to many already, her remit is to do something different with North Wales Hockey which will have benefits not just for the people who play it week in and week out, but also on the way Great Britain and the world view us. With this task ahead of her, we caught up with Debra to talk about her hopes and ambition as well as the way she plans to get things done...
HW: So Debra what were you doing before you started working for Hockey Wales?
DB: Well I was involved in the Powys Local Authority (LA) Active Young People program as well as being a 5x60 officer with Dragon Sports. I also did a lot with the Local Authority Partnership Agreement (LAPA) which was a grand project in itself, so I have a bit of a mixed background really in sports and office based work.
HW: How about as a hockey player?
DB: I have been playing Hockey since I was 14 and played for my local county too. I spent a bit more time recently in coaching and have been coaching the juniors at my club Llanfair Caereinon for about 14 years now. I also work with our senior team and I am waiting to get my UKCC Level 2 accreditation. I'd love to move into tutoring coaches soon as well.
HW: Do you still find time to play?
DB: Yep! Some would call me the driving force of the club (laughs) no seriously I do still play for Llanfair and really enjoy it.
HW: So tell us some more about why this role has been created?
DB: Hockey Wales is very keen to encourage strong regions that have there own say in how things are run. It's my aim to work with the current structures that exists at the moment, like the North Wales Men and Women’s associations, to help take regionalisation to that next step. I am also here to work with the volunteers and partners who are here already and help ensure we get the best out of everybody. The final goal is to develop a regional structure for North Wales that gets people looking at us and saying “That's impressive!”
HW: Sounds exciting! But how are you going to do it?
DB: The main thing for me is creating positive working relationships with the clubs, because these are the people that really matter and make hockey as great as it is! I want t do that through direct meetings with them, our North Wales Workshops and being available to talk. I am a really approachable person and I want to hear from as many people as I can about there views on the way things are done! From the first time hockey player to the seasoned veteran I really am eager to get the views of everyone involved because it's really your game!
HW: Sounds like a lot!
DB: That's not all! I am also here to help with individual clubs development needs, coach education and any issues you think are relevant to your club or North Wales as a whole!
HW: What would you say you aspiration for North Wales is?
DB: I want North Wales to use all this potential and become the leading region for all forms of Hockey Development; from helping the next group of internationals and GB superstars furfil there potential, to having the strongest clubs and leagues with the best players not just in Wales but all over the UK and the World. The only way we will achieve that is by making sure Hockey is a game everyone can play and find there home in!
HW: So you can't be doing this by yourself who do you have to help you?
DB: Besides the volunteers and clubs, I have the two Community Development Coaches, Andy Seimann (also one of our Senior Athletes) and Delwyn Humphrey who both work partly for us and the Local Authority, but all with the same aim. Being the face of Hockey in our authorities and helping clubs where they need it!
HW: So where are you based?
DB: We have recently opened up a new office in Wrexham Glyndwr University where I work with Nic Corrigan (Player Development Manager North) if anyone is in the area feel free to come in and see us! We make some good teas and coffee's!
HW: So what's it like working for Hockey Wales?
DB: It is really an exciting time of change here! There is so much going on and at such a fast pace that it really is a great time to be involved! We are all working so hard to make sure that Wales is seen as the great nation of champions it is and it's really good feeling to know I am part of that and am helping ensure a bright future for everyone!
HW: Thanks for your time Debra, is there anything else you wanted to add?
DB: Just that with a lot of change means we are going to make mistakes and get things wrong, but we learn from these and become stronger and the more input we get the better the final product will be! I look forward to working closely with everyone in North Wales and don't be afraid to drop me a line and say hello!
You can reach Debra Barker on 07703-682-279, or email her on debra.barker@hockeywales.org.uk
