What is a  Academy Centre?

 

The Academy Centre  is a training centre for the U13 to U17 age groups & replaces the old county system. ACs are open to any hockey player who has been nominated by a  Development Centre  coach. After attending a DC,  AC is the next step on hockey’s player pathway. A DC coach can nominate a player to attend an assessment for a AC if and when they think it is appropriate for the player’s development. Players who have previously been involved in Performance Centre ( previously PC) Tier 2 activity may also attend ACs.

 

What happens at a AC?

An AC will provide regular training sessions where players will receive coaching on the core skills of hockey from appropriately qualified coaches. As well as training,there will be competition between local ACs. Initially, the type,level and frequency of localised competition may vary across the country depending on the availability of other ACs.The combination of training and competition allows players to develop in a variety of situations and ensures that they are assessed in more than just the competition environment.

 

Where and when are the ACs?

Players will attend whichever AC is closest to where they live (or in the case of boarding pupils, where they attend school). There will be a minimum of one AC in every county. ACs will run from October to April.

In Shropshire the Girls Programme venue is Meole Brace School, Roman Road Sports Centre in Shrewsbury. Training for u13s & u14s on Thursday evenings, u15s & u17s on Sundays.

The Boys Programme venue is concentrated at Shrewsbury School but matches can also be at St Georges Sports Centre, Telford or Wrekin College, Wellington. Training for u13s, u14s, u15s, u16s & u17s on Sundays.

 

Who organises the ACs?

ACs will be run by County Hockey Associations - the appointed Shropshire Girls Centre Manager is Jules O'Neill & the Boys Centre Manager is John Beckett will organise and run all activity. These managers will be the main contact regarding nominations, dates and times of the sessions. The coaches will be responsible for the training and competition & the lead by Head Coach is Sarah Ralphs

 

Is there a cost to attend a AC?

Yes, a fee will be charged for attending training sessions and competitions.

 

What is the next step on the U18 Player Pathway?

Following AC training and the Midlands Tournament. AC coaches will nominate players to attend  Performance Centre (JRPC) assessment. PC activity will run through out the year in parallel with the ACs.  

AC Girls Manager: mailto:julesoneill@btInternet.com

AC Boys Manager: mailto:john.beckett96@outlook.com

 

 

For information on registration,dates and venues please see link below

TBA