This weekend, England Hockey awarded their ‘Unsung Hero’ award for 2025 to Richard Kirtley. Here at The Wolf Academy, we can think of no person more deserving of this accolade.

Richard has been the driving force behind the work that has gone on to provide hockey in the community (for free!!) in the last 2 summer holidays for children between the ages of 5 and 13.

Richard identified and liaised with local schools in the Norton area of Sheffield to maximise the amount of attendees from within walking distance of @sheffbankershc

Over 180 children have played hockey in both summers, the majority having never played hockey before or only had a singular taster session – and has now led to the early stages of a thriving junior section at @sheffbankershc (which again, Richard has been the person to administrate and get off the ground – as well as offering his capable services as a coach).

From Matt, Will and everyone at The Wolf Academy – well done on your incredibly well deserved award, and we are looking forward to working with your more in the future to get more kids loving playing hockey in South Yorkshire @kirtle.the.turtle