RECENTLY Abergavenny Hockey Club became the first accredited club in Gwent and the fourth to date in Wales.
Abergavenny HC have achieved the Level One or One Stick' standard, which is the first step towards a Three stick programme.
One of Wales's oldest clubs, Abergavenny currently field one ladies and two men's teams, and operate a junior section for boys and girls aged seven and above.
This year has seen the junior section grow from strength to strength with the under 13 and under 11 teams making the South Wales finals.
Welsh Hockey Union national development manager Matt James said, "The Welsh Hockey Union are delighted to award Abergavenny the 'One Stick' Club Accreditation.
"They have responded very positively to all of the WHU's advice and guidance during the last year and the club as a whole has bought into the Club Accreditation scheme.
"They are investing considerable time and effort into strengthening their junior section and are putting several members through the UKCC Level One coaching qualification this Summer. "This effort is reflected in their membership numbers, which are now rising at youth and junior levels and we hope they continue to go from strength to strength and fulfill all of the 'Two Stick' criteria next season."