Mick Riding

Mick established the North Shields hockey club, initially for school boys at John Spence School. Many of the boys came from deprived backgrounds and were in trouble with the police. Through years of his determination (10+) the now has 3 male teams and a girls. They age now from 12 to 25+. The difference the club has made to the boys is unbelievable, less truancy, they learn't how to work as a team and respect others. The 'original' boys have done well, they have jobs, still play hockey and are respected. Educationally many of the boys now go on to further education. When the boys have issues they come to Mick eg one boy had his face set a light whilst he slept (not by any of our boys). He needed to attend hospital daily to have his face treat. His single mother could not afford taxis etc. So Mick arranged with a couple of the other adults to have a rota where the boy was taken to hospital as required. He entered the Norwich Union 'Sports for all' initiative, this entailed him canvassing for nominations in an attempt to gain funds for the hockey club - they were allocated £13,500. This was again down to Micks perserverance. The first team has moved from division 5 of North East hockey league to the first within 5 years! Mick is enthusiastic about the club, he has achieved a lot and spends hours of his own time in progressing the boys and the clubs. Carrying the Olympic Flame would be a great honour for him and a great way of saying Thank You.