Junior Training

Welcome to the 2023-2024 season! You’ll find everything you need to know about training with OCHC Juniors here but if you have any questions, please get in touch with us at ochcjuniors@gmail.com

Season dates 2023-2024

Sunday 10th September to Sunday 10th December

(No hockey Sunday 22nd October for half term)

Sunday 7th January to Sunday 24th March

(No hockey Sunday 11th February for half term)

Age groups

We operate a mixed hockey model from U6s (year 1) to U8s (year 3) before splitting into Girls and Boys hockey from U9s (year 4) through to Adult hockey. For Boys, from U9s upwards, we play in combined age groups, with two year groups training and playing together. For Girls, from U9s to U12s, we train as individual age groups until moving to a combined age group for Girls U14 (U13 and U14), Girls U16 (U15 and U16) and Girls U18 (U17 and U18).

Sunday training

Training is held across our 3 pitches on Sunday mornings – the OC’s clubhouse pitch in Thames Ditton plus our two additional pitches at Hinchley Wood and Oaken Lane.

Click here for 2023-2024 Sunday timetable

Midweek training

Midweek training is held at the main clubhouse pitch for all players U9s and upwards and we encourage all players to attend. The midweek sessions are focused on skill development, recognising that many of the Sunday sessions are given over to fixtures and game play and our run by our professional coaching team.

Click here for the 2023-2024 midweek timetable

Goalkeeper training

Specialist goalkeeper training for Junior keepers is part of the midweek training timetable. Goalkeepers are expected to train with their age group / teams on a Sunday if not involved in matches. If you are interested in trying out goalkeeping, please get in touch with the lead coach of your age group and we can arrange for you to try on some kit and give it a go. The club can provide kit to players who decide they would like to train and play regularly in goal.

Equipment

All outfield players need a mouthguard, shin pads and a stick. Older players will also need a facemask (please read our face mask policy here). For those just starting out, we can usually lend you a stick and can offer advice on which size stick to buy. Once players start taking part in matches against other clubs (usually in U8s) we ask you to wear OCHC kit, more information can be found here

October 18, 2023