
JUNIORS
Our five junior teams allow children from the ages of 5 up to 16 to enjoy hockey and develop their skills within training and league games. To find out more, scroll down!
New players, of all ages and abilities welcome!
U8s & U10s
Thursday Evening Session
16:45 - 18:00
YOSC
U12s
Tuesday Evening Session
17:30 - 18:45
YOSC
TRAINING
U14s
Tuesday Evening Session
17:30 - 18:45 + 1 Hour of Adult Session where applicable*
YOSC
*by invitation only
U16s
Adult Sessions
Ladies - Tuesday 7-9pm
Mens - Wednesday 7-9pm

Why do we run junior training?
The purpose of Yate HC Juniors is two fold:
1.
To provide an opportunity for the younger members of our community to be active in a sport that we love, and to develop their skills and techniques as they age to allow them to become better hockey players and indeed to develop the interpersonal skills associated with playing sport (teamwork, communication, coping with success and failure etc…).
2.
To provide a succession of players (who understand the demands of hockey) from the juniors in to the adult teams so to allow those with slightly more experienced bones and muscles to retire gracefully!

How do we run training?
In order to achieve these aims, and to ensure that each age group is experiencing a similar level of delivery across the club, it is important to streamline and centralise the activities. This will ensure the youngsters, at any age group, are working on the core skills and techniques desired by England Hockey and will allow us as a committee to better assure parents/guardians that all children will have an equal opportunity to succeed.
The new delivery programme will ensure that the time used by coaches is effective and is spent focussing on the children’s skill development, with each and every activity planned to suit the age group and individual member’s specific needs. The allocated training time takes in to account recommendations by national coaching and health agencies and further recognises that many players will be competing in games/tournaments for us as well as taking part in other extra-curricular activities both inside and outside of school.
Each year our teams are entered into the Avon League, local & regional tournaments, cups and new for 17-18, a Badgers team. All entries aim to provide the players with some friendly competition designed to enhance their skills in a game environment whilst paying attention to their long term development. Furthermore, a high number of our players progress through to JDC, JAC and JRPC levels with England Hockey, an achievement that we are always very proud of.
Equipment, Selection, & First Aid
Equipment
Players are asked to use shin-pads & gum shields. We have a number of sticks that can be used by new players. Gum-shields can be purchased at a range of outlets or you may choose to take advantage of our new dental scheme the club has arranged and purchase a Yate HC gum-shield which is fitted properly by a dentist… this is especially recommended for all players who are now on their adult set of teeth!
Selection
Where possible, we will endeavour to ensure that all of the children are given the opportunity to play in Junior matches but – for the younger ones – the coaches will have to assess when they are ready. The focus of our junior section is about the development of the player in both their physical, technical and tactical understanding of the game. With this in mind, whilst we all love a win, the focus will always be on the quality of play and our desire to see our junior members embrace the club spirit. This must be working with record numbers at the club and tournament wins across all age groups in the last two seasons
First Aid
There are always at least two first aiders in attendance at training. If there any more out there, please can you let us know.
England Hockey Player Pathway
A guide for players and parents
The coaches at Yate Hockey Club plan all training and competition around England Hockey’s Player Pathway.
As club, we aim to focus on technical and tactical development of the player whilst developing a love and passion for the game.
From U14 upwards we then nominate players to enter the pathway at the appropriate level, providing ongoing support and guidance as their journey progresses.
The stages of the Player Pathway are as follows:
Development Centres
Provide a local entry point to the player pathway for U13s - U17s
Academy Centres
Delivered in 49 counties, provide a high quality talent programme for identified players in U13 – U17 age groups
Performance Centres
Based across the country providing frequent, high quality training with the best coaches for U15 and U17 players
Futures Cup
Supports player development within a high-intensity and pressurised best v best tournament environment
Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) Programme
Provides additional training and sport-related education for U17 players selected from Performance Centres
National Age Group Squads (NAGS)
Are selected at U16 and U18 age groups for girls and boys. NAGS provides the first taste of international competition for our young players
U21/Development Programme
An elite training environment for players who aim to transition into the senior programme and become world-leading players
Outside of the Pathway, the club will utilise the selection policy and playing age guidance to enter our junior members in to the appropriate levels of competition e.g. Avon Junior League, friendly festivals, regional tournaments, badgers and, when ready, adult training and games.
