Young Leaders Programme
What is it?
This is a programme to give young people the skills to coach, umpire and manage hockey teams. It involves working with other young people and alongside our existing team of coaches, managers, and adult umpires.
Starting during the school summer holidays and running throughout the season, a series of training sessions will give you a chance to learn how to be a great Young Leader. In September you will start working with one of our age group teams on a weekday evening and/or Sunday morning.
Who is it aimed at?
It is aimed at people in year 10. It will help to fulfil the service requirement of Duke of Edinburgh programme should you be taking part in it. We have previously included Young Leaders from Year 11 and 12 who have missed their chance in year 10. However, given the time involved, it can be tricky to balance being a Young Leader with schoolwork for players in year 11 and 12.
When does it take place?
The first training session runs from 10-3pm on either Thursday July 29th or Sunday August 29th. Further one-off sessions take place through the year where Young Leaders catch up and share their experiences.
On Friday 3rd September all junior age group coaching teams will meet to plan the season, which Young Leaders will be expected to attend (regular junior training starts on Friday 10th September). The programme ends with a celebration event in April 2022.
The practical coaching, umpiring, or managing element is typically on Friday nights when our junior hockey takes place. There are also opportunities to be involved on Sundays and during our midweek hockey session on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. From experience these sessions fit well with players’ own training.
What do I do now?
Please book a place here: Young Leaders Programme. There is a £50 cost that contributes to the cost of the resources handed out over the year, pitch hire for the training days and some expert coaches.
MORE FAQs
What if I cannot make a session?
Everyone who takes part in the programme must attend training sessions before starting to coach or umpire. Given how busy the summer is there may be an opportunity to catch up online in late August for anyone that is unable to make the training sessions in August. If this is an issue, then please get in touch with me directly.
Will this fit in with my own busy schedule?
Yes. We totally understand how busy it is being a hockey player, going to school and managing your time. We ask for a regular commitment to training because teams work well when familiar faces are involved each week. If you cannot make a session then it is important to clearly communicate with your age group lead coach in advance, but this is not a problem.
Do I receive a formal qualification?
Everyone who completes the course receives a certificate and the time will count towards Duke of Edinburgh or equivalent qualifications. The learning is an excellent start to a players’ coaching journey and dovetails with England hockey’s formal coach education programme, which is available from age 16 upwards.
Will this improve my own hockey?
Absolutely. It will give you a better understanding of how to play the game and organise team tactics and it is a chance to play and train yourself during the pre-season training sessions.
Who runs the programme?
I oversee the programme and delivers the training sessions. A number of the clubs’ senior coaches are also involved. As part of the club’s commitment to safeguarding there is also training on creating a safe environment when working with young people and first aid. All of our Young Leaders are also invited to attend coach and umpire education courses during the season free of charge.
Dan Fox, Director of Hockey
Past Participants Feedback
"I think my hockey improved as a result of trying to help the girls i coached but I learnt other skills, too - strategies of how to get the best out of people but to have fun, too/ Also, I really enjoyed being part of the team".
"When you are told you're going to be taking your own group of kids with a couple of other Young Leaders as I did, I felt like I was really making a difference to teh players".
"Get involved as much as possible! It's a brilliant experience!"
