Civic Mission

Deeside Dragons Adopt Ambitious Civic Mission to Strengthen Community, Inclusion and Player Pathways Across North Wales

The Deeside Dragons Ice Hockey Club, alongside Deeside Dragons Junior Ice Hockey Club, have formally adopted a new Civic Mission that places inclusive participation, player development and community impact at the heart of its future.

Rooted in North Wales, the club’s mission sets out a clear commitment to creating a sustainable and accessible development pathway from grassroots junior hockey through to senior performance level, ensuring that players of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can access, enjoy and excel in the sport.
Recognising that ice hockey is more than a competitive game, the Deeside Dragons will use the sport as a vehicle to build confidence and resilience, promote physical and mental wellbeing, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and strengthen community cohesion.

The Civic Mission is underpinned by a series of key commitments:
Growing participation across Wales by increasing access to the sport for children, young people, women and underrepresented groups, and actively removing barriers to entry

Developing a clear player pathway through structured coaching, mentoring and long-term athlete development from junior to senior level

Supporting Welsh national team aspirations by working with governing bodies and partners to help develop players capable of representing Wales at national and international levels

Embedding education within sport through coaching qualifications, officiating pathways, leadership programmes and wider learning opportunities

Acting as a community anchor organisation by working collaboratively with schools, local authorities, community groups and charities to maximise social impact

Promoting equality and inclusion by ensuring a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for all
The adoption of the Civic Mission follows collaborative discussions between senior and junior teams and key partners, ensuring a shared vision for the future of the club and its role within the region.

Dragons GM Shaun Bebbington said:
“This Civic Mission reflects who we are and what we stand for as a club. We are committed not only to developing ice hockey players, but to creating opportunities, improving wellbeing and
making a positive contribution to our communities across Flintshire and North Wales. This is about building something sustainable, inclusive and ambitious for future generations.”
The Civic Mission will guide the Deeside Dragons’ future activity, partnerships and funding ambitions, supporting the continued growth of the club both on and off the ice.