Club legends Danielle Jones and Jarrod Wrigley originally started the WDHC “Development Academy” over the summer to develop and encourage our young players both experienced and new to hockey to not only play the best hockey that they can but also to love hockey as much as they do!
The programme has evolved to cater for all kids and young adults who would like to play hockey - regardless whether you’ve never played before or if you're in representative teams! We take pride in prioritising fun, exploration, individual successes and skills to ensure each child makes improvements over the course of the programme.
The training programme covers everything from basic to advanced skills, nutrition, warm up, down and stretching, match tactics, leadership, communication, teamwork and friendship. Along with representative coach Vic Methven, we are fortunate to have secured the coaching services of NZ representative players who have all coached at school, club and/or representative levels and we are very fortunate to have them coaching at Western as well. Their combined experience of playing and coaching allows them to teach players across many ages and skill levels but all with the aim of helping our players to improve and be their best.
Players are taught systems, techniques and skills that will help them not only in hockey, but for the rest of their lives!
2024 DETAILS
Continuing on from the success of last years expansion, the programme includes U23s, Youth, Intermediate and Junior players and is a combination of skills and games sessions. The games sessions also double as grading games/trials and there will be Youth and Junior Coaches and Selectors watching to help grade players for the winter season.
The programme this year may incur a small cost per player, depending on our funding efforts.
All sessions will all be held at Avondale College, Gate 3, Rosebank Road, Avondale.
DATES & TIMES
DATES
Skills Sessions Sunday 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th of February
Games Sessions are on Sunday the 3rd & 10th of March
TIMES
SKILLS SESSIONS
U23s (19-22 Year olds) and Youth (School Years 9-13) - 5.30pm -7pm
Intermediate (School Years 7 & 8) and Juniors (School Years 1-6) - 4.30pm - 5.30pm
GAMES SESSIONS
Juniors (school years 0-6) - 4-4.45pm
Intermediate (school years 7&8) - 4.45-5.30pm
Youth Girls (high school years 9-13) 5.30-6.30pm
Youth Boys (high school years 9-13) 6.30-7.30pm
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
A drink bottle
We can provide hockey sticks for those who don’t already have one, but we do recommend you bring a mouthguard and shin pads if you have them as well.
We go ahead rain or shine so make sure you bring sunscreen and a rain jacket.
TO REGISTER
Registrations for 2024 are open, so please follow the link below to book your place! If you would like to come along to the Games Sessions as you are trialling for a Western team for this winter season, we will open registrations early next year.
ANY QUESTIONS
Please don’t hesitate in emailing wdhc.academy@gmail.com for more information
Keen to come and try hockey before you sign up for the winter season? Each year in February we run a free Have a Go Day for all ages. Run by the Youth Committee with dedicated coaches, this is the perfect introduction to hockey.
2024 DETAILS
Held at Avondale College Hockey Turf (Gate 3, Rosebank Road) Sunday 4th of February, 3.30-4.30pm.
Sessions will suit:
People wanting to give hockey a go for the first time, or those who haven't played for a number of years.
People will be split into groups based on their age and experience to ensure everyone gets to participate at their own level.
Structure of session:
Skill development rotations - 45min (the amount of these stations will depend on numbers)
15min of games
We are able to supply sticks on the day for you to borrow however you will need to have your own mouth guards
WHAT HAPPENS AFTERWARDS?
Players who've enjoyed their Have-a-Go day can then join the Development Academy at their leisure. It will run directly afterwards, and allows children to enjoy, improve, and progress their hockey. Just ask any of the coaches on the day, or email us to join the the Development Academy sessions!
TO REGISTER
Please complete the registration form below as soon as possible so we can properly plan for the\sessions, there will be a max number of kids we can do in each session so register early to secure your spot!
ANY QUESTIONS
Please don’t hesitate in emailing wdhc.academy@gmail.com for more information
WDHC is continuing our programme in 2022 for Western Coaches Umpires running alongside the Development Programme sessions and throughout the year with training, practical, debrief and social components.
This is a free programme for our coaches and umpires, both experienced and those wanting to learn.
Please email wdhc.academy@gmail.com to register your interest.
Led by Vic Methven
Led by Ruby Wood
