A hockey academy which has worked with more than 2,000 children has won community project of the year at an awards ceremony.

The Alex Danson Hockey Academy at Westminster Lodge in St Albans won the accolade at the St Albans District Sports Awards 2018, held at the Sandpit Theatre on July 19.

Launched in May last year, the academy has worked in primary schools, at holiday camps, and at hockey festivals. Named after the England Hockey captain, the academy has been striving to get people involved in the sport and has now been recognised for its efforts.

Hockey development manager Sarah Beattie is delighted with how the programme has progressed over the last 12 months.

She said: “It is a huge honour to win this award. As captain of the England ladies World Cup team, Alex is an excellent and inspiring role model. We are delighted to have engaged over 2000 children in hockey in our first year of the ADHA and believe the programme will go from strength to strength.

“Who knows, St Albans may have an England hockey player in its midst: our Academy will certainly find them if that’s the case.”

The academy is operated by Everyone Active in partnership with the council.

Cllr Annie Brewster, responsible for sport and culture, added: “The awards were hotly contested again this year and it’s incredible to see this wealth of activity and inspiring individuals in our community. Ladies hockey has certainly caught the nation’s attention and we feel privileged to have Alex giving her support and coaching skills.”

Alex Danson will be running a masterclass at Oaklands College in St Albans on Friday. A few spaces are still available. If you would like to attend or want to get involved with the academy, email hockey@everyoneactive.com to secure your place.