Ice Hockey Inspired is pleased to confirm the continuation of its partnership with Arval UK, extending a successful community initiative that will continue to create opportunities for young people and families across Swindon and Wiltshire over the next two seasons.


Focused primarily on community impact, the partnership has become an important part of Ice Hockey Inspired’s work within the local area, helping to remove barriers to participation and creating opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach for many local families.


The partnership is centred around two key community initiatives. The first will see Arval UK continue to fund and donate 500 match night tickets to partnered schools, allowing children and their families to experience live sport within their local community. For many recipients, this will be their first visit to the Link Centre and their first opportunity to experience the excitement and atmosphere of a live sporting event.


The second initiative is the continued support of the affordable Learn to Play programme at Wiltshire’s only ice rink, the Link Centre in West Swindon. The programme provides young people with the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence, develop resilience and enjoy the benefits of being active within a safe and supportive environment.


Alongside the community initiatives delivered through the partnership, Arval UK’s support can also be seen throughout the Link Centre and on the jersey of the Swindon Wildcats, the reigning 2025/26 National League Champions, helping to connect the wider community programme with one of the town’s leading sporting organisations.


Over the years, the partnership has generated a number of success stories, with participants progressing through the Learn to Play programme, developing friendships, building confidence and becoming regular participants within the local ice sports community. The continuation of the partnership ensures these opportunities remain available to future generations, allowing even more young people and families to benefit from the positive impact of sport.


Speaking on the continuation of the initiative, Ice Hockey Inspired Community Development Manager Victoria Hart said:


“The impact of Arval UK’s support extends far beyond the ice rink. Through this partnership, hundreds of children and families have been given opportunities they may not otherwise have experienced, whether that’s attending a live sporting event for the first time or taking their first steps onto the ice. We’ve seen first-hand the confidence, friendships and personal development that can come from these experiences, and that’s what makes this partnership so important to the community.”


Frankie Crozier, Sustainability Manager for Arval UK added “We have enjoyed a long standing relationship with Ice Hockey Inspired and the Swindon Wildcats for many years now. Providing certainty for the next two seasons for the community programme was the right decision to make, supporting our younger generation and providing developmental opportunity. We also work closely together where possible for other local engagement and value our relationship.


As the partnership enters its next chapter, Ice Hockey Inspired and Arval UK remain committed to creating positive experiences, inspiring participation and continuing to make a meaningful difference within the local community over the next two seasons.