Telford Tigers and the Telford Tigers Supporters' Trust realise the important role that both our team and our players perform in the local community, engaging, encouraging and inspiring the next generation. Working alongside Telford & Wrekin Council and the Ice Zone (Telford Ice Rink's Study Support Centre) the Telford Tigers aim to visit every school in the borough over the coming months.

The Telford Tigers schools programme is headed up by current player/coach and former Team GB Star, Tom Watkins, and is supported by players from the 2010-11 team (subject to availability).

Telford Tigers school visits typically consist of the following:

Opening Visit 1:

• Inspirational introduction by head coach Tom Watkins, his personal achievements, honours, awards, successes etc...
• Introduction to the sport of ice hockey and how to become involved
• Open Question and Answer Session
• Opportunity for children to try on some of the protective team equipment as used by the players
• Ticket and merchandise giveaways

Follow Up Visit 2:

• Importance of fitness, nutrition and a healthy and active lifestyle
• Importance of education and the role it plays in the sport
• Ticket and merchandise giveaways

To date the Telford Tigers have been warmly received at the following schools:

• Apley Wood Primary School
• Randlay Primary School
• Wrockwardine Wood Infant School
• William Reynolds Infant School
• St Lawrence C of E Voluntary Controlled Primary School
• Redhill Primary School
• Lilleshal Primary School
• Hadley Learning Centre
• St. Georges C of E Primary School
• Tibberton C of E Primary School
• Crudgington Primary School
• Dothill Primary School
• High Ercall Primary School

Upcoming schools visit:

• TBA...

If you would like Tom Watkins and the Telford Tigers to visit your school, please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   with your school name, contact details and preferred date / time and we will contact you by return to confirm availability and add you to our diary.

Tom Watkins

Tom joined the Tiger Tracks organisation for the 2010-11 season as head coach, performing a dual role of both player and coach. His remit was to build a brand new community team from the ground up, and to help the trust communicate its community message in and around the wider locality.

Aged just 32 Tom can boast an impressive hockey CV, with his career spanning in excess of 15 years.

Tom heralds from Durham in the North East of England, joining the old Telford Tigers team initially for the 1996-97 season. Then aged just 18, the gritty youngster made an immidiate impression with both his skill, effort, dedication and workrate - providing the 'trade mark' tools that has given him a long and succesful hockey career.

It was in Telford that Tom met his current partner, and following marriage and children Tom still owns a home in the town and supports the wider community.

During his playing career, with the Coventry Blaze of the British Elite League Tom enjoyed succesive Championship, League Title, Play-Off and Challenge Cup honours, and also selection by current GB head coach, Paul Thompson, to pull on the national jersey representing his country on many occaisions.

In March 2010 Tom's efforts were recognised by the Borough of Telford & Wrekin, receiving a 'Sporting Champion' award from the council at a special celebratory presentation evening held at The Place theatre in Oakengates.