During the 2019/2020 season Swindon Wildcats in the Community gifted over 10,000 free children tickets when accompanied by a paying adult at a discounted rate to local schools and community groups through the Kidzone ticket initiative which was in partnership with Swindon Wildcats.
With visits to 29 schools and 14 Community Groups, the community team recorded 43 visits since September 2019. Every child who was 15 years or younger received free standing tickets to a selected game and discounted tickets were provided to their family and friends.
Swindon Wildcat Tyler Plews who has worked with the community team this season was joined by community development officer Dave Ridley and Swindon Wildcats Assistant coach and community coach Robbie Pamphilon in leading the school visits and interactive assemblies.
Number 24 for the Swindon Wildcats Tyler Plews said that ‘we have made a real difference in the community this season, we were attending schools almost every week and sometimes 2 or 3 visits per week to have some fun talking ice hockey and the Swindon wildcats. We have seen so many new faces this season rink side and there have been hundreds of children who have recognised me and other players that we introduced to them when visiting.’
Robbie Pamphilon added ‘It’s amazing seeing so many kids attend the games and get the free opportunity that they wouldn’t normally get, it’s amazing walking round to the bench on game night and seeing and hearing the difference compared to previous seasons. Giving these kids the window into ice hockey has also seen lots of these kids come into learn to play sessions which can only be beneficial to the sport.
Swindon Wildcats in the Community would like to thank the schools and community groups who worked with us throughout the season and we look forward to welcoming more schools and lots of new fans to the better link centre next season.
