OXTON JUNIOR HOCKEY
Oxton HC runs various coaching sessions and teams at the junior level, catering for different ages and abilities.
Training
Junior hockey training takes place on various days and times throughout the week depending on age, at the Glasspool pitch (Telegraph Road, opposite Caldy Sports Club).
All new starters are welcome to attend three sessions at no cost before they commit to membership, please contact oxtonhcyouthrep@gmail.com for more information.
Sunday – “Hockey Heroes” – 09:45-11:00
Boys and Girls in Yrs 1 -3. Although England Hockey no longer co-ordinate this programme it’s a great introduction and we continue to offer this in-house to our young new-starters: Hockey Heroes Info
Sunday – Under 8s & Under 10s – 09:45-11:00
Boys and Girls in school years 2-5. Please arrive to be registered at 9.45am.
Tuesday – Beavers 6-7pm
Boys and Girls in school years 6 & 7
Wednesday – 6-7pm
Girls in school years 8, 9 & 10*
Thursday – Badgers 6-7pm
Boys in school years 8, 9 & 10. Some Year 10s will attend adult training depending on ability and temperament – this will be communicated directly to player & parents.
ABOUT MATCHES
For ALL Junior matches the primary objective is to create a fun environment for the children to compete, develop their skills and learn more about the tactics and structure of the game.
All children have the opportunity to put their name forward via our Spond. We liaise with our opposition to select mixed ability, balanced sides, giving as many children the opportunity to play as possible. Reliability and commitment is rewarded in selection.
All children have the opportunity to put their name forward via our Spond. We liaise with our opposition to select mixed ability, balanced sides, giving as many children the opportunity to play as possible. Reliability and commitment is rewarded in selection.
Beavers
These are regular Saturday matches for Years 6, 7 & 8 boys and girls.
Badgers
These are regular Saturday matches for Years 9 & 10 boys. Girls at this age either continue in Beavers or move to lower ladies’ sides (depending on ability). There are also some U14 Girls matches on Sundays through the season.
Junior Festivals
We participate in the England Hockey junior framework competing in age group festivals at U8s, U10s and U12s.
The festivals take place over a number of Sundays throughout the season and focus on participation, with modified age-appropriate rules and structure.
Under 12 Boys and girls in school years 6 & 7
Under 10 Boys and girls in school years 4 & 5
Matches are generally 7-a-side 1/3 pitch at this age.
Under 8s (Years 2 & 3)
We introduce this age group to matches via 4-a-side games on a small pitch with modified age appropriate rules.
However for the most part the focus for this group is much more about introducing them to hockey through fun games for fitness and fun. Their training consists of some hockey skills mixed with Agility, Balance & Co-ordination (ABCs) activities.
For ALL Junior matches the primary objective is to create a fun environment for the children to compete, develop their skills and learn more about the tactics and structure of the game.
All children have the opportunity to put their name forward via our app (Spond). Mixed ability, balanced sides are then selected, giving as many children the opportunity to play as possible. Reliability and commitment is rewarded.
KIT AND EQUIPMENT
For our training sessions there’s no mandatory kit to wear, but make sure the children are dressed appropriately for the weather – sometimes that’s sunscreen and a cap, others it’s a waterproof coat and gloves! We tend to play in all weathers unless there’s thunderstorms or the pitch is frozen (any cancelled training/matches will be communicated on Spond!)
Sticks can be provided, along with penalty corner masks for the older children – but you will need to source your own gumshield/mouthguard and shinpads (essential), and you may wish to consider a protective glove.
Footwear should be either hockey or football “Astros” with dimpled rubber soles, or trainers. Boots with studs or blades are strictly prohibited as they will damage the pitch surface.
Once the children are competing in matches you may wish to buy some club kit for them, but as long as they have a red t-shirt, dark shorts/skort, and some red socks that will be fine for U8 through to Beavers matches.
See our separate page for more info on the official club kit.
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