"Sport has the power to change the world, the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else can . . . It is an instrument for peace, even more powerful than governments. It breaks down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all kinds of discrimination" - Nelson Mandela

Overview of the UK Ice Cats

We provide mentors as well as wider access to athletic, academic and leisure opportunities to children in the UK. Our aim is to reduce social exclusion. Currently our main program is the provision of ice hockey lessons in London. The children in the program participate free of charge as we provide coaching, equipment, ice-time, and transportation to and from the arena.

Since we began operations in 2003, we have provided opportunities to hundreds of children in London. We have worked with many local schools and community groups including Kingsford Community School, Turnford School, Greig City Academy and Ian Mikardo High School. We are very thankful for the support from our financial sponsors  and from our coaches and administrators, a team of over 80 volunteers, who generously donate their time and energy. 

We aim to provide an opportunity for children to play ice hockey in a low stress, playful environment, where the emphasis is on learning, fair play and fun. 

Our donors include Cambridge University, Oxford University, the London Borough of Newham 2012 Olympic Bid Neighborhood Renewal Fund and the National Lottery Fund.
 

During the 2003-2004, 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 seasons the Ice Cats played in front of 1,000 spectators during the intermission of the Oxford-Cambridge Varsity Ice Hockey Match.

The Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC) covered the event in 2005 and aired a story on the UK Ice Cats on 'The National' on 07 March 2005.

Below are UK Ice Cats posing with the Patton Cup, the Oxford-Cambridge Varsity Match Championship Trophy

On 17 February 2005, the UK Ice Cats demonstrated ice hockey for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on their visit to London while they assessed London's chances of hosting the 2012 Olympic Games.

We would like to congratulate our volunteers from Cambridge University who were short-listed as finalists in the 2004 British National Student Awards for their involvement in our program last season.

On April 20th 2006, the Ice Cats attended a reception at the Canadian High Commission in London and were able to see the Stanley Cup! Below are two Ice Cats with our CEO Colleen May.  

Our organisation is fully recognised and endorsed by the English Ice Hockey Association. We are a registered company with Companies House UK. Our company number is 5194345. We are a registered charity with the Charity Commission of England and Wales. Our registration number is 1106869.