Junior Hockey - Hockey for All

The fantastic benefit of all-weather pitches, apart from making modern hockey the fast, exciting and ever evolving game that it has become, is that children can now start to learn and more importantly enjoy the game at a far younger age. Junior Hockey at Maidstone has progressed well in recent years with both team and individual successes. Many players who started their hockey at Maidstone as juniors are still here playing for the club. Several of our juniors are in The Mid Kent Junior Development [JDC] squad, County squads [JAC], and we have several ex Maidstone juniors representing GB and England.

As well as being coached in advanced core skills, hockey tactics and the importance of a strong team ethos, the under 14 and 16 groups play competitive league hockey and enter various cup competitions. The younger age groups are taught basic core skills, positional awareness and are given an early chance at goalkeeping. They also play mini-hockey (7 a side) triangular tournaments against other Kent clubs.

We welcome and encourage any children who simply want to come and have a go at hockey. If they show an interest they will then be able to join the junior section and play on a regular basis. As a family you can be involved as much, or little, as you like with the club. Recently one of our parents (an ex-hockey player) has qualified as a coach and a couple more have been inspired to take the game up again.

In February 2007 Maidstone Hockey Club achieved England Hockey ClubsFirst accreditation, which ensures that we have a safe and child-friendly environment for developing young players. For parents of prospective players it gives them the confidence that the Club's child protection and welfare processes have been independently audited and approved.

ClubsFirst is England Hockey's version of Sports England's Club Mark award, which assesses:

The playing or participation programme
Duty of care and child protection
Sports equity and ethics
Club management

All clubs need to be re-assessed every 3 years. Maidstone is pleased to report that it passed this process in January 2010, with flying colours. So, the Club continues to have the Award until 2013.

Training & Matches

The Club runs junior training programmes throughout the year. During the main season, September to April, these are held on Sunday mornings at the club between 9am and midday. When considered ready, the stronger players [13 years of age and older only] are invited to join the men’s and ladies’ teams for training, and perhaps adult matches. This helps in their transition to the senior game and ensures they have every opportunity to reach their full potential. We also offer Hockey Camps and Junior Taster Sessions at various times throughout the year. Furthermore we work in local schools. Matches are generally played on Sunday mornings either in conjunction with, or instead of, training.

All coaching is on a Sunday morning at Armstrong Road, times below :

U10 / U12 - 09.00-10.30U14 / U16 / U18 - 10.30 - 12.00

In addition there will be matches for U10's (mixed), U12's (girls & boys), U14's (girls & boys) and U16's (girls & boys)

Coaches

We have a very enthusiastic team of men and women coaches with a wide range of experience in playing, umpiring and coaching hockey. All our coaches are England Hockey qualified and CRB checked - Andy Bird, Julie Davies, Mick Emery, Graham Clarkson, Lee Slater, Mike Smith, Wendy Emery, Matt Emery, and Jimmy Christmas. We always have at least one first aid trained coach available during coaching sessions, together with a first aid kit.

We are always looking for more coaches, and helpers. The coaching training is funded by the Club. If you are interested, please let me know.

Mick Emery

Hockey Manager - Juniors
07779 341912
emery646@btinternet.com

Keeping Kids Safe

If you (or your child) are teased, punched, threatened, or bullied in any way - report it.

These are people to go to & numbers to ring:

Mike Evans
Maidstone Hockey Club Welfare Officer
07766 447985

Childline
0800 1111

NSPCC
0800 800500

Police
999

Announcements

Please download the registration form (click yellow ball link on the home page), complete it, sign it and bring it along. Welcome packs of essential information will be available.

Maidstone junior playing shirts are in stock in the club (as are hoodies to try on for size).  Please e mail Chris Daniels    chdaniels@btinternet.com

Dates for Diary

Friday 20th April - Junior Awards & Games

Upcoming Fixtures

Fixtures for the 2011/2012 season are listed below

Junior Results

Girls Under 16's
Boys Under 14's
Boys Under 16's

England Hockey

Please click here to go to the part of the England Hockey Website dedicated to young people.