What is a  Development Centre?

A  Development Centre (DC) is a local training centre for the U13 to U17 age groups. DCs are open to any hockey player who has been nominated by their club, school or coach. After playing for a club or school, attending a DC is the next step on hockey’s Player Pathway. The coach or teacher can nominate a player to attend an assessment for a DC if and when they think it is appropriate for the player’s development.

 

What happens at a DC?

A DC 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 DCs. Initially, the type,level and frequency of localised competition may vary across the country as the Single System is still at the early stages of implementation. 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 DCs?

Players will attend whichever DC is closest to where they live (or in the case of boarding pupils, where they attend school). There will be a minimum of two ACs in every county. DCs will run from May  to July. These venues will be confirmed nearer these dates 

 

Who organises the DCs?

DCs will be run by County Hockey Associations. Shirley Hasenauer is our Development Centre Manager who with the support from the Head Coach  Sarah Ralphs will appoint coaches  & administrators to organise and run all activity. The manager/administrator will be the main contact regarding nominations, dates and times of the sessions and the coaches will be responsible for the training and competition.

 

Is there a cost to attend a DC?

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

 

What is the next step on the U18 Player Pathway?

Following DC training and competition, DC coaches will nominate players to attend  Academy Centre (AC) assessment.

DC Manager: Shirley Hasenhauer  mailto: spowell15@yahoo.co.uk