Welcome to the 2022-2023 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 2022-2023
Sunday 11th September to Sunday 11th December
(No hockey Sunday 23rd October for half term)
Sunday 8th January to Sunday 26th March
(No hockey Sunday 12th 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. From U9s upwards, we play in combined age groups, with two year groups training and playing together. These combined age groups are split into Orange and Blue training groups. In the U10s and U12s, the lower year group (e.g. U9s) will play as the Blue group, with the Orange group for the older players (e.g. U10s). In the older age groups (U14s and upwards), Blue becomes the development group and Orange becomes the performance group.
Training times
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. Please note that for the U10, U12 and U14 girls’ age groups, whilst blue and orange training sessions run concurrently, to ensure the girls have sufficient space, the training sessions are in different locations.
Click here for 2022-2023 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 2022-2023 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