Hampshire Schools & Youth and Player Pathway News

Behind the Pads: Hampshire’s Goalkeepers Step Up

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:12:02 GMT

Specialist training, strong commitment, and a clear pathway helping Hampshire’s goalkeepers develop beyond the squad environment.

TL;DR:

Specialist GK programme supports development beyond squad sessions
Up to 30 goalkeepers attended each of the 2026 sessions
Focus on technical skills and game-based scenarios
Open to both AC keepers and selected DC players
Strong commitment from players and coaches — more to come next season

Every season, the Hampshire Player Pathway selects 2–3 goalkeepers for each of its county squads during the AC assessments. These keepers go on to train and compete with their squads throughout the cycle.

However, by their very nature, squad sessions are focused on team play and match preparation. This leaves limited time for the kind of detailed, position-specific work that goalkeepers need to truly develop.

To address this, Hampshire introduced a specialist AC Goalkeeper Training Programme , led by Goalkeeper Head Coach Dean “Hems” Davis. The aim is simple: provide dedicated, high-quality goalkeeper coaching to support development at a higher level.

Importantly, the programme is not limited to selected AC keepers. Each year, a number of promising goalkeepers who narrowly miss out on selection are also invited to take part — ensuring they continue to progress within the pathway.

And with specialist goalkeeper coaching often hard to access, the impact of these sessions is significant.

A Strong 2026 Programme

The final session of the 2026 programme took place on Thursday 16th April at Wellington Sports Ground, Eastleigh , bringing to a close a series of four sessions across the season.

Attendance has been excellent throughout, with up to 30 goalkeepers per session , combining both AC squad keepers and invited Development Centre players.

Across the programme, sessions covered a wide range of core and advanced skills, including:

Kicking and clearing techniques
Diving and ground work
Multi-save scenarios
Hand saves
Dealing with unpredictable, bobbling balls

A key feature of the sessions has been the inclusion of game-based goalkeeper exercises , designed to replicate real match situations. These focused on:

Decision making
Positioning
Handling repeated pressure situations

Looking Ahead

The continued success of the AC Goalkeeper Training Programme highlights the importance of specialist coaching within the pathway.

With another strong year completed, Hampshire is already looking forward to building on this momentum and continuing to support the next generation of goalkeepers.

National County Championships Return – Hampshire to Field Four Teams

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 13:30:50 GMT

Hampshire U15 and U17 squads will compete in the expanded 2026 NCC as defending champions and strong contenders.

(Last year's Hampshire U17 Teams - NCC Champions!)

We’re excited to confirm that the National County Championships (NCC) are returning for 2026—and this year promises to be bigger, better, and more competitive than ever.

For the first time, the event will run as two separate tournaments, one for U15s and one for U17s, providing a wider platform for county players to compete at a high level and represent their region on the national stage.

�� Tournament Dates (updated 11 December 2025)

GU17 – 14th/15th/16th July

BU15 & GU15 – 17th/18th/19th July

BU17 – 20th/21st/22nd July

�� Hampshire’s Involvement

Hampshire has committed to entering teams in all four categories:

U15 Boys
U15 Girls
U17 Boys
U17 Girls

Selections for these squads will be made from those nominated to the Hampshire Performance Centre.

�� Defending U17 Champions

In 2025, both our U17 Boys and U17 Girls were crowned National Champions—an incredible achievement that reflected the dedication of our players, coaches, and volunteers across the entire Player Pathway.

We’ll be heading to the 2026 competition not only to defend our titles, but to build on that success and give more players the chance to experience elite tournament hockey in a county shirt.

�� Growing Competition

Following the huge success of last year’s event, we anticipate a significantly larger number of counties will be entering teams in 2026. With more fixtures, more diversity in opposition, and greater exposure for players, the NCC is fast becoming a standout event on the national calendar—and a valuable experience for anyone serious about developing their game.

�� Costs & Contribution

Due to rising entry fees and our intention to field four squads, we expect the per-player cost to increase slightly this year compared to 2025. While Hampshire subsidised a large portion of the entry last year, we are unlikely to be able to support at the same level for 2026.

Exact costs will be confirmed in due course, but we anticipate that the player fee will be in line with the England Hockey TA Competition—while offering considerably more hockey over the course of the tournament.

�� More Information to Follow

We’ll publish further updates—including selection details, squad announcements, venues, and kit information—as the season progresses.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please don't hesitate to contact me!
�� koo.janzen@hampshirehockey.net

Hampshire Game Changers Returns for 2026 – Bigger and Better!

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:42:56 GMT

A four-week development programme for U9–U11 players, designed to inspire future hockey talent across Hampshire.

Following the huge success of last year’s pilot, we’re delighted to confirm that Hampshire Game Changers is back for 2026 ! This four-week development programme is aimed at U9, U10 and U11 players who show potential and enthusiasm for hockey, giving them a brilliant opportunity to build their skills in a fun and engaging environment.

What is Game Changers?

Game Changers offers high-quality training sessions led by Hampshire Player Pathway coaches. It’s designed to give young players a taste of what county-level hockey looks like – while having plenty of fun along the way!

With an exciting mix of technical drills, small-sided games, and match-play scenarios, players will develop core skills and tactical awareness. This year, we’ve made a few updates to make the experience even better:

What’s New for 2026?

Increased Interest – Last year’s programme was a great success, and we’ve already had a surge in early interest this time round. Places will be limited, so please encourage nominations as early as possible.
Revised Timings – We’ve adjusted the session times slightly to allow for better organisation and a break between groups. Full timings will be published on the Game Changers page shortly.
Clear Age Classifications – This year, we’ve set out clearly defined age groups. Please check our Game Changers page for the “born between” dates that apply to each age group.
P reparation for the Development Centre (DC) – For U11 players, Game Changers also acts as a stepping stone towards DC selection. Talented U11s identified during Game Changers may be nominated early for the 2026–2027 U13 DC Cycle.

⚠️ Please note: Hampshire Hockey will not accept underage nominations for the DC unless those players have first been seen at Game Changers.

Key Dates for 2026:

��

Saturday 18 April
Saturday 25 April
Saturday 2 May
Saturday 9 May

��Venue and session times can be found on the Game Changers page .

How to Get Involved

Clubs can nominate up to three boys and three girls per age group. The cost is £40 per player for all four sessions, including a special Game Changers t-shirt. Hampshire Hockey will invoice clubs directly once nominations are confirmed.

We hope and encourage club coaches to attend the sessions, offering a great opportunity to observe, get involved, learn, and bring ideas back to your own training sessions.

If your club has young players with potential – don’t miss out!
Nominate early and give them the chance to shine with Hampshire Game Changers.

➡️ Visit the Game Changers page for full details and registration.

Winning Beyond the Scoreboard: How Hampshire Took Gold at the NCC

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 08:28:02 GMT

Coach Dave Miles unpacks how Hampshire’s U17 squads prepared, performed and won big at the 2025 National County Championships.

An exclusive interview with Dave Miles, Performance Director of the Hampshire Hockey Player Pathway, on how smart preparation, clear values, and a tight-knit coaching team laid the foundation for double gold at the National County Championships.

When the U17 Boys and Girls from Hampshire returned home from Nottingham as National Champions, the headlines wrote themselves. But behind the score lines and silverware lies a much deeper story—of planning, adaptability, and a coaching philosophy focused not just on hockey skills, but on people.

In this candid video interview, Jim East , HHA’s Coach Development Officer, sits down with Dave Miles , the architect of Hampshire’s performance program, to talk about how to win tournaments—and why it’s about more than just what happens on the pitch.

“It’s not always about tactical input or technical tweaks,” says Dave. “It’s about managing your time, your body, and your energy levels over three intense days. That’s what wins tournaments.”

A Blueprint for Tournament Success

Dave pulls back the curtain on what it takes to lead teams through the rigours of seven matches in three days. From hydration strategies to formation planning and even sleep routines, success at this level depends as much on preparation off the pitch as it does on performance during play.

“We focused on a retention-based style of hockey. If you control possession, you control the tempo—and crucially, you conserve energy. That’s a tournament strategy.”

This meant players had to adapt not only to their opponents, but to the demands of playing multiple matches with little rest. Both teams did just that—and thrived.

Managing the Human Element

Dave also reflects on the different coaching approaches needed for the boys’ and girls’ squads. With a younger and more diverse girls’ group, building team chemistry was just as important as building tactical structure.

“My time as a coach was the 45 minutes before and after each game. The rest was theirs. We gave them ownership. If they’re not enjoying it, they won’t perform at their best.”

By empowering players—through captain-led leadership, purposeful downtime, and creating a sense of togetherness—both squads began to self-manage, self-motivate, and ultimately, self-believe.

Adaptability is Key

Whether it was Oakley, the young U17 Boys’ coach, switching from a half-court to full-court press mid-tournament, or Dave reorganising player roles on the girls’ team after spotting a standout short-corner injector, the message was clear: the best teams are the ones who adapt fastest.

“We’re not preparing kids to play one style. We’re preparing them to read the game, manage the game, and make decisions under pressure. That’s what they’ll need if they go further in the sport.”

Looking Ahead

With plans already underway for an expanded tournament in 2026—including U15 squads and even more counties taking part—Hampshire’s success this year is just the beginning.

“This was never just about medals. It’s about showing what county hockey can be. What it should be.”

�� Watch the full interview below to hear more about coaching philosophies, tactical choices, player development, and what makes a winning team culture—direct from the coach who led Hampshire to double gold.

Double Gold! Hampshire Crowned U17 National Champions

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 12:27:36 GMT

It’s official: Hampshire’s U17 Boys and U17 Girls are National County Champions!

After three days of high-pressure hockey, brilliant teamwork, and some seriously nail-biting moments, both Hampshire squads have lifted the national trophy in style.

�� U17 Boys – Champions with Clean Sheets and Cool Heads ��

The Hampshire U17 Boys entered the final day having already topped the Championship Pool with a 2–0 win over Surrey. This set up a repeat clash for the final—and it didn’t disappoint.

The final kicked off with Hampshire pressing hard and fast. They looked fired up, hungry, and totally in control. A lightning-fast counterattack—sparked by a sensational double save from the keeper—led to the opening (and only) goal of the match.

Surrey responded with intensity, but Hampshire’s defensive wall held firm. Even when down to 10 players twice during the match due to green cards, the boys dug deep. The Hampshire keeper was once again heroic, pulling off another pair of crucial saves to deny a Surrey equaliser.

Late in the game, Surrey threw everything forward— even subbing off their keeper for an extra outfield player . A last-gasp short corner threatened to ruin the party when Surrey managed to get the ball in the net. But the umpires deliberated and the goal was disallowed.

FINALLY! The whistle signalled full-time… and a 1–0 victory.

Of course, no championship campaign is complete without some alternative squad awards—delivered with a wink and a sense of humour by coach Pierre-Charles Wood:

Best Elimination Skills – Charlie Kavanagh
Heart of the Team Award – Campbell Hope-MacLellan
Most Time Off the Pitch – Hayden Ewing (accompanied by a KitKat!)
Brightest Star Award – Eoin Cusack (who else gets a Star Bar?)
Best Tackler – Sebastian Zwolinski
Smoothest Skills – Henry Sandler
Effort Award – Riley Huddlestone
Hockey IQ Award – Edward Swift (presented with a tube of Smarties!)
Future Umpire Award – Milo Brailey (who had a lot to say during matches… ��)
Top Goal Scorers – Henry Wood & Harry West
Coaches Award – Nathan Foster
Players’ Player – Harry West

What a team. What a tournament. What a win!

�� U17 Girls – Revenge, Resilience and Glory ��

The U17 Girls brought their very best hockey to the business end of the tournament.

A confident 2–0 semi-final victory over Buckinghamshire—featuring two second-half goals—earned them a shot at redemption in the final against North Yorkshire: the only team to beat them in the pool stages.

This time, Hampshire were ready!

With tactical tweaks, fierce determination, and an unshakeable team spirit , they turned the tables on their northern rivals. A well-executed short corner and a pressure penalty flick gave Hampshire a 2–1 win, securing their title and sealing their place in county hockey history.

From start to finish, the girls were exemplary both on and off the pitch —playing with maturity, passion, and a sense of togetherness that left coaches and parents bursting with pride.

Girls' team manager/coach Elaine Gibson says:

I just want to say what a wonderful experience the last 3 days has been. The girls have been exceptional both on and off the pitch, and are an absolute credit to you all as well as fantastic hockey players. Parents, you have been incredible and your support before and during the tournament has been immense. You have all thanked us as coaches and managers, but you and the girls made our lives incredibly easy. Aside from the gold medals and the beautiful trophies that we have brought back to Hampshire, I genuinely hope that the girls have had the best time, made fantastic memories and hockey friendships that will last a lifetime .

Hampshire Performance Director, Dave Miles , comments:

It has been an honour and a pleasure working with this group of boys and girls , I love working for Hampshire Hockey! I put so much into making sure we provide the best possible environments and opportunities for the players, it’s moments like this when I get the chance to work with groups like these players and share these experiences that make all the hard work we put in absolutely worth it.

Seeing the kids play with so much passion, resilience and pride for their county is phenomenal and they are not just a credit to themselves and you as parents but the entire county as a whole ��

A huge thank you to Pete Tunstall, Elaine Gibson, Oakley Sparshott-Thompson, Pierre-Charles Wood and Nick Dudman ; you guys have been immense over the last 3 days your leadership and support for the squad has been immaculate and it has been an absolute pleasure working with you, you are all a credit to Hampshire I know the players have loved having you there, and as a team you have given them the best first tournament experience. And to come away with the �� was the icing on the cake.

You guys have made my job as performance director so much easier by the standards you have set!

Finally, I want to say a massive thank you to each and every one of the parents, guardians, family members and supporters for your support and belief in the pathway we have created in Hampshire for the players. We continue to evolve and adapt what we do to give all the kids the best opportunities possible to play the game we love. This tournament was a massive step forward in our vision for what hockey should be, and without your support and belief in us as an entity and the coaches working within it, this would not be possible ��

�� Behind the Scenes: The Real MVPs

None of this success would have been possible without the relentless work of our coaching and support staff:

David Miles, Oakley Sparshott-Thomson, Pierre-Charles Wood, Pete Tunstall, Elaine Gibson, and Nick Dudman —you’ve been outstanding, both on the touchline and in the laundrette (literally).

From tactical planning and injury support to last-minute laundry runs and group breathing during short corners, you’ve been the heartbeat of this campaign. Thank you for everything.

�� Looking Ahead

Plans are already underway for an even bigger NCC in 2026, with early signs suggesting more counties, more competition, and the exciting addition of U15 tournaments. After the success of this year, the future is bright for county hockey—and Hampshire will be ready to rise again.

Well done to all players, parents, and staff. You’ve done Hampshire proud. ��

#TeamHampshire #U17NCC25 #NationalChampions #OneTeam #LaundryLegends #HockeyFamily

Hampshire U17s Shine on National Stage as Finals Beckon

koo@island-webdesign.co.uk (Koo Janzen) — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:03:45 GMT

U17 Boys edge toward the final as U17 Girls prepare for their semi-final clash against Buckinghamshire.

With the final whistle nearly in sight, Hampshire’s U17 Boys and Girls squads are flying high at this year's National County Championships.

U17 Boys Dominate Their Pool and Lead Championship Table

The Hampshire U17 Boys have delivered a string of commanding performances, topping Group B and currently leading the Championship Pool table. Their results speak for themselves:

Hampshire 3–1 Cambridgeshire
Hampshire 3–0 West Yorkshire
Hampshire 2–0 Gloucestershire

Advancing into the Championship Pool, they kept the momentum going with:

Hampshire 2–0 Jersey
Hampshire 4–1 West Yorkshire (second fixture)

They now face Surrey in today's fixture – and unless something wildly unexpected occurs, Hampshire looks all but set to book their place in the national final.

Track their progress here

U17 Girls Power into the Semis with Grit and Determination

The Hampshire U17 Girls have also put in an impressive showing, finishing second in Group A with just one loss—against a strong North Yorkshire side. Their journey so far:

Hampshire 2–0 Gloucestershire
Hampshire 1–0 Lancashire
Hampshire 3–0 Essex
Hampshire 1–0 Kent
Hampshire 1–3 North Yorkshire

Their well-earned semi-final spot sees them up against Buckinghamshire today. A win there would send them into the final against either North Yorkshire or West Yorkshire.

Follow the U17 Girls' journey here

Behind the Scenes – The Real Dream Team

None of this success would be possible without the tireless work of the coaching and support crew:
�� David Miles, Pierre-Charles Wood, Pete Tunstall, Elaine Gibson, and Nick Dudman – legends both on and off the pitch.

We couldn't resist including a photo of some of the coaches mid-spin cycle at the local laundrette, because keeping kits fresh is just as important as keeping heads cool! ��

Final Thoughts

These players are representing Hampshire with skill, passion, and teamwork, and we’re proud of every single one of them. Whether it's lifting the trophy or just putting in a performance to remember, they’re already champions in our eyes.

Stay tuned for more updates and team photos – and best of luck to both teams for the matches ahead!

Hampshire U17s Head to Nationals at Nottingham Hockey Centre

koo@island-webdesign.co.uk (Koo Janzen) — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 06:22:37 GMT

The return of the County Championships sees Hampshire U17 Boys and Girls ready to compete on the national stage

TL;DR:

Hampshire U17 Girls and Boys selected to compete at National County Championships
Event runs 29–31 July at Nottingham Hockey Centre
Girls face Essex, Kent, Lancashire, Gloucestershire, and North Yorkshire in their pool
The Boys' pool includes Gloucestershire, Cambridgeshire, and West Yorkshire
Full squads announced – good luck to all players!

After a 25-year break, the National County Championships are back — and Hampshire is proud to be sending two squads to compete: an U17 Girls' team and an U17 Boys' team.

This exciting new chapter takes place from 29–31 July at Nottingham Hockey Centre — the country’s premier hockey venue and home to Beeston Hockey Club, the University of Nottingham, and Nottingham High School. Set in the scenic Highfields Park, the centre boasts six pitches, a large clubhouse with changing rooms, a medical room, a hockey shop, and even its own pub, The Stick and Pitcher.

Why it matters

These Championships are more than just a tournament. They offer young players the chance to play representative hockey at a national level, outside of club or Talent Academy pathways. County hockey continues to provide opportunities for talented players to compete, grow, and be part of something special — even if they never reach a national final or Talent Academy place.

Hampshire’s U17 Girls will be facing strong competition in their pool, taking on Lancashire, Gloucestershire, Essex, Kent , and North Yorkshire .

Meanwhile, the U17 Boys are up against Gloucestershire, Cambridgeshire , and West Yorkshire . With three full days of competitive fixtures ahead, it’s set to be an unforgettable experience.

Venue & Accommodation

All players and staff will be based at the nearby University Park Campus , just a 15-minute walk from the venue. The student halls offer single-occupancy rooms (a mix of en-suite and shared bathrooms), with breakfast included and Wi-Fi available.

Lunches are provided at the pitch, typically including a sandwich, fruit, crisps, chocolate bar and water. All dietary needs are catered for. Match schedules and live results will be available via Tournify .

Hampshire U17 Girls Squad

Alice Banwell
Sophia Creswell
Hannah Dudman
Jessica Dudman
Elspeth Duncan
Evie Fairhurst
Grace Geddes
Ellie Gibson
Poppy Markby
Meggie Moulds
Ella Mae Munday
Niamh O'Meara
Jenna Rabani
Polly Jemima Rider
Alice Simpson
Emily Swain
Tilly Wimshurst
Matilda Wroath Hickley

Hampshire U17 Boys Squad

Milo Brailey
James Clark
Oliver Corrie
Eoin Cusack
Hayden Ewing
Nathan Foster
Spencer Hawes
Campbell Hope-MacLellan
Riley Huddlestone
Charlie Kavanagh
Ethan Mal
Oscar Purser
Henry Sadler
Edward Swift
William Vincent
Harry West
Henry Wood
Sebastian Zwolinski

Reserves:

Elliott Hart
Cian Smallwood-Butler

All of us at Hampshire Hockey are incredibly proud of these young athletes for their hard work, dedication, and determination in earning their place to represent the county at this inaugural national championship.

The teams will be coached and supported by an excellent staff team led by David Miles , Hampshire Player Pathway’s Performance Director .

We wish all players the very best of luck — enjoy every moment, compete with pride, and make Hampshire proud!

We’ll be sharing updates and results on this website once the championship is completed. Stay tuned!

Blowing the Whistle with Confidence – Young Umpires Shine at DC Match Days

koo@island-webdesign.co.uk (Koo Janzen) — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 08:52:18 GMT

Hampshire Player Pathway and South Central Officiating join forces for a fantastic umpire development experience

TL;DR:

31 young umpires took part in the DC Match Day development programme
The journey began with a theory evening at Trojans HC
Umpires progressed from U13 to U15 games, gaining confidence with each match
SCO’s Steve Godwin and his team provided outstanding support and mentoring
The experience has sparked a lasting interest in umpiring for many participants

One of the most exciting parts of our work in the Player Pathway is seeing young people step into new roles, grow in confidence, and surprise even themselves. And nowhere was that more evident than at the recent U13–U15 DC Match Days at Basingstoke Hockey Club, where our young umpire development programme reached its conclusion.

Over the course of two days, 31 young hockey players took on the challenge of umpiring live matches – some for the very first time. With whistles in hand and nerves undoubtedly buzzing, they began with the U13s and gradually worked their way up through the age groups, supported every step of the way by a brilliant team of mentors from South Central Officiating (SCO) .

The journey began a week earlier with a theory evening at Trojans HC , where the young umpires got to grips with positioning, decision-making, and understanding the role of an umpire. That session laid the foundation – but it was on the match days that the magic really happened.

As someone who’s watched many of these journeys unfold, I know just how intimidating it can be to stand on the pitch and blow that first whistle. But the structured environment created by SCO – led by the incomparable Steve "Godders" Godwin – made all the difference.

The improvement we saw over the two days was incredible: whistles became louder and more decisive, arm signals more confident and meaningful. You could actually see the confidence grow with every match.

Steve, who managed the umpire programme across both days, summed it up perfectly:

"What a brilliant couple of days working with the young umpires. I knew the opportunity to work with 31 young hockey people with playing skills but also an interest in umpiring was too good to miss.

It was very hard work on two long days but in my opinion well worth the effort. The development of the skills of the umpires over the two days is very much down to the umpire coaches' enthusiasm and development talent. Many had little or no umpiring experience but have come away with an increased interest in carrying on umpiring in the future.

In summary on the performance stuff, it was top class and reflects well on our South Central Development team which has to be the best around. Thank you all so much."

Take a look at some of the photos from the weekend below – you’ll see confident, committed young umpires in action, guided by the best in the business.

I’d like to add my own thanks to Steve and to Keely Dunn. Rowena Shepherd, Simon Milford, Mike Robson, Rob West, Roy Holcombe and Phil Griffiths, who gave up their weekend to support, guide, and cheerlead this next generation of officials.

Their encouragement, experience, and passion created a truly positive environment in which these young umpires could thrive. It’s not easy to put yourself out there when you’re new – especially in front of players, coaches, and spectators – but with the support of this outstanding umpire coaching team, every one of our young umpires came away stronger .

We’re incredibly proud of each and every young person who took part. Not only did they help make the DC Match Days run smoothly, but they also showed what’s possible when we create space for young people to try something new, supported by experts who believe in them.

Let’s keep encouraging them. Let’s give them patience and support. And let’s continue to build this pathway – not just for players, but for umpires too.

Future in Focus: Young Umpires Step Up at Hampshire Theory Evening

koo@island-webdesign.co.uk (Koo Janzen) — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 19:30:35 GMT

Over 30 brave young leaders kick off their umpiring journey at our DC Umpiring theory evening!

TLDR (5 key points):

30+ young umpires attended the theory evening at Trojans HC
Steve Godwin led sessions on positioning, confidence, and decision-making
The evening included both pitch and classroom-based activities
Practical umpiring takes place on 5 and 6 July
Huge thanks to all our young umpires – your support is invaluable!

On Friday 27 June, more than 30 young people took their first steps into the world of hockey umpiring as part of the Hampshire Hockey Player Pathway’s Young Umpire Development Programme.

Held at Trojans Hockey Club, the evening was led by the brilliant Steve Godwin from South Central Officiating. The group started out on the pitch, exploring how to position themselves effectively and getting to grips with the all-important whistle. It was great to see everyone joining in, asking questions, and beginning to build the confidence they’ll need on match day.

After that, the session moved indoors, where Steve talked about the vital role umpires play in the sport. The discussion touched on the mindset of a good umpire, how to be confident when making decisions, and why it’s okay to make mistakes while learning. The evening stayed light and supportive, with plenty of opportunity for interaction and shared experience.

This theory evening is just the beginning. Next up is the practical element of the programme, where these young umpires will be out on the pitch during the U13–15 Development Centre Match Days on 5 and 6 July.

Meet Our 2024/25 Young Umpires

Not everyone could attend the theory evening, but we’re delighted to have the following umpires signed up and ready to go:

Imogen Barbe, Olivia Barbe, Ally Bell, Phoebe Bulkeley, Erin Callaghan,Jessica Dudman, Caitlin Ferguson, Nathan Foster, Sebastian Foster, George Gilfoyle, Elliott Hart, Campbell Hope-MacLellan, Poppy Keville, Mia Lawrence, Milo Lawson, Hugo McBride, Thea Middleton, Finn Moonen. Sophie Morris. Declan Nicholls, Rory Scott, George Shanks, Daniel Sinnott, Edward Slade, Cian Smallwood-Butler, Emily Spicer, Ellis Temperley-Chapman, Olivia Turner, Drew Wigginton. Matilda Wroath-Hickley, Tegan Yates

These young umpires are stepping up to take on a role that requires calm under pressure, good communication, and the courage to make decisions in real time. Umpiring your first match is not easy — it can be nerve-wracking, especially with little or no experience — but it’s also hugely rewarding and an important part of keeping the game running smoothly and fairly.

We are so grateful to every one of these young people for offering their time and energy to support our match days. Their willingness to get involved shows real character, and we admire their determination to learn something new.

Please join us in giving them your full support — not just during training, but on the pitch as well. On match day, a little encouragement from players, coaches, and spectators can go a very long way.

Let’s help them build confidence and enjoy the experience as much as possible!

Start of the 2025 DC | Email to all players

koo@island-webdesign.co.uk (Koo Janzen) — Thu, 22 May 2025 07:59:07 GMT

On the 8th of May, 2025 I sent the below email to all players and parents registered to take part in the 2025 Development Centre. A copy can also be found when you log in at the Pathway Management System on www.hampshireplayers.net

Hello,

If this is your first time in the DC, welcome!

If you've done DC before, Welcome back!

It promises to be a great DC cycle. We have some amazing coaches lined up and everyone at Hampshire Hockey is looking forward to it and can't wait to get started.

This email contains a few important notes, so please encourage your grown-up to read it all the way to the end!

For starters, if you want to know what to expect, have a look at the DC Syllabus which we have just published on our website:

This applies mostly to field players but is also good for GKs to have a look at,

I have almost finished appointing the coaches to the centres on our Pathway Management System. As soon as that is complete, I will ask the lead coach of each centre to contact their players to introduce themselves. When you receive that email, that is the time to tell them if you need to miss any sessions etc. Remember to also read our player attendance policy here .

Parents/guardians, can you now please log-in at www.hampshireplayers.net and have a good look at the Player Panel. Make sure you are registered at the centre of you expect to be at by looking at what is stated after 'Current Training Centre'

North Hants DC is Down Grange, Basingstoke
South West Hants DC is Trojans, Eastleigh
South East Hants DC is HMS Temeraire, Portsmouth (except session 1 which is in Gosport)
Goalkeepers will see 2 centres in this panel, because you join the field players for session 5. The specialist GK sessions are at Ganger Farm Sports Park, Romsey - but you will join the field players in one of the above centres for session 5.

While you're there, please take the time to download and print the Player Consent Form, sign it and have it ready to give to the coach at your first session.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET THIS, as without the form, you WILL NOT be allowed to participate.

For more details see our page on the consent form here .

Armed with the knowledge about which centre you are in, now go to DC page of our website and follow the link for your centre to see the session dates and times.

GOALKEEPERS:

Your centre page is here:

https://www.hampshirehockey.net/dc_goalkeepers (opens in a new tab)

Please visit this page and download the minimum kit requirement page to make sure your kit is all up together and ready to go. We don't mind if it is smelly, but the GK coaches won't be impressed if it is incomplete or bits are broken!

If you are an U13 Goalie and this is your first time in the DC, you will be needed on the 18th of May for the U13s Assessment Session for newly nominated U13 GKs. You will get an email from hems (our GK head coach) with more details.

We have to run this session as every year we get GKs nominated to the DC by (mostly) schools who send their goalies "for a bit of coaching" but who we then find are nowhere near ready for the DC. And while we would like to give everyone all the opportunities, the last thing we want to do is put a young GK in a position where the training is just not appropriate for their level, as this can cause upset and can even be a little dangerous. Hems will chat to you privately after the session if he has any concerns.

Finally, parents and guardians, please also have a look on the player panel to see if you have accepted the invitation and if you have paid. Under Playing Information is should state the 'Current Training Centre' (i.e. South East Hants DC for example) followed by (Accepted) if you have accepted and paid. If not accepted it was say 'Invited' and if not paid, it will say 'Not Paid' in big red letters.

All players will get a numbered polo shirt at their first session,. Please wear that shirt for all sessions as the coaches will use the player numbers as part of their assessment process.

Please avoid wearing any Hampshire AC kit if you were in the AC before.

I think that is it for now. As always if you have any questions, please check our FAQs first as most questions will be covered there:

If not covered there, you can contact me at koo.janzen@hampshirehockey.net

Any issues regarding attendance, questions about the sessions etc, please direct them to the lead coach when you hear from him or her.

Remember to have the best time at the DC and work hard to improve your hockey. Treat the DC not as a stepping stone to the AC and the county teams, but as an opportunity to become the best you can be. If you get invited to the AC assessments at the end, GREAT! BUT, remember that the pathway lasts only for a few years - you'll be playing hockey (hopefully) for the rest if your life!

Ask questions of your coach and ask for feedback on the pitch. Really get involved and you will gets lts out of it!

Good luck and have fun!

Regards,

Koo Janzen

(koo.janzen@hampshirehockey.net)

(Some of) What I learned from Danny Newcombe

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:22:19 GMT

I ’ve had several goes at writing this post in a ‘cause and effect’ style - in other words trying to relate a narrative of things I learned and how they changed my coaching approach.

However, the effect Danny Newcombe has had on my coaching is so profound and transformative that I can’t separate his ideas and my own. Suffice to say that the way that I coach now is very heavily influenced by Danny.

Rather than trying to tease out each piece of ‘what I learned’, I’m instead going to describe how I plan and deliver a session, and give Danny the credit for any good things I have done.

5 Key Takeaways from “(Some of) What I learned from Danny Newcombe”

Huge influence – Danny Newcombe’s coaching ideas have deeply shaped how I plan and run sessions.
Start with the problem – Ask what’s going well and what needs work. For my team, it was poor decision-making on vertical passes.
Design smart practices – Build sessions around realistic, game-like challenges that target the specific skill (in this case, vertical passing).
Gradual difficulty – Start with easier setups and progressively increase the challenge to support learning.
Aim for 50/50 success – If players succeed about half the time, they’re challenged enough to grow without becoming discouraged.

What’s the problem ?

I usually start by asking what my players are doing well and what they need to work on. This question is also not my own - I first heard it from Sarah Kelleher, and it took me a while to understand what she meant by that.

One of the 1st XI’s I have coached had a big problem with down field passing. I did a bit of match analysis, and found, to my surprise that, while they seldom carried into contact, and while they were generally able to switch play through the defensive line, their down field passes (or vertical passes) were intercepted something like 70% of the time.

The problem was sometimes technical - a mis-hit or a mis-direct being much easier to intercept - but was mostly about decision making under pressure.

In this case, a ball carrier could see a teammate in an advanced position, but was either failing to notice that no passing lane existed, or was trying to make up for the absence of a passing lane with POWER.

In short, they could not recognise a good vertical pass opportunity.

How to solve the problem ?

So I came up with a simple exercise. It offered a lot of opportunities to attempt a down field pass.

A successful vertical pass was the way to score.

The exercise was opposed - ostensibly 3 attackers v 3 defenders, but actually 3 attackers v 2 defenders.

Then I deconstructed it. What techniques could be used to pass vertically ? Well, passing while carrying laterally, passing first time with correct footwork, good movement ahead of the ball, and use of disguise on the pass.

Therefore my session began, after a warm up and an explanation of the goal of the session - to get better at recognising an executing vertical passes - with a series of technical exercises to practise these techniques unopposed.

I initially set up the exercise in a relatively wide playing area to try to make it easier to move the ball laterally, to create the downfield passing lane, and a short playing area to make it easier to complete the pass without it being intercepted.

Once the players had got the hang of the exercise and had got some success, I then started to narrow and lengthen the playing area to gradually increase the challenge.

“About half the time”

Maybe the most important lesson from Danny Newcombe was the idea of challenge.

Danny told a story on a YouTube clip (which I regret I can no longer find) where he watched another coach becoming agitated while his players were doing an exercise Danny really liked.

Danny wondered why the coach was so agitated:

“I really liked this exercise” , said Danny.

“They keep getting it wrong though!”

“What, all the time?”

“Well” , the coach admitted, ”about half the time” .

Danny felt that this was about right.

If the players are only failing they will become demoralised. If they are only succeeding, they are not learning anything. The correct level of challenge (success about half the time) provides the best learning environment.

Danny Newcombe’s influence on my coaching has been both subtle and significant, shaping not just what I coach but how I think about learning and improvement.

From diagnosing specific problems, to designing purposeful practices, to understanding the right level of challenge—his ideas have helped me become a more thoughtful and effective coach. I hope sharing this session example gives others something useful to reflect on in their own coaching.

Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions. And if you'd like to share your own coaching experiences or insights , we’d love to hear from you—just drop us a line at coaches@hampshirehockey.net .

This article was written by Jim East , Coach Development Officer for the Hampshire Player Pathway Group.

You can reach him at james.east@hampshirehockey.net

DC, AC, PC -What’s with all the acronyms and how does it all work?

koo@island-webdesign.co.uk (Koo Janzen) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:57:10 GMT

Confused? You're not the only one. Read on for the ultimate Hampshire Player Pathway 101

Everything we do in Hampshire today stems from an original idea first introduced by England Hockey around 2011, and adopted in Hampshire in 2014, known as The EH Single System.

The Single System's primary goal was to foster consistency in coaching techniques and messages across all England Hockey development age groups and was designed to benefit boys and girls who are believed to have achieved or have the potential to achieve a certain standard of hockey.

While not always perfect in every sense, the Single System introduced a whole new way of identifying talent and allowing that talent to develop in their own space and time. We worked from the view point that young players develop at different times and different stages in their life, and provisions were made that players from 11/12-17 years old were seen every year and assessed for a place in the system.

The Single System was made up of the Junior Development Centre (JDC), Junior Academy Centre (JAC), and the Junior Regional Performance Centre (JRPC), with the highest performing players looking for a place in the High Performance Academy Centre (HiPAC) or Futures Cup, depending on their age. The FC was the route to the international U16 and U18 (National Age Group Squads (or NAGS).

So, you can see where the acronyms started… ��

In 2017 the EH Single System became the EH Player Pathway and the Js were removed from all the centres. In 2021 EH completely abandoned the pathway with the introduction of the Talent System, and while this is not the place to air our grievances over that, it had, as a direct result, that Hampshire and many other counties now run their pathway completely independently from EH.

The Talent System is entirely separate from the Hampshire Player Pathway and we have no connection with them.

Here is how it all works

Development Centre (DC)

If a club or school feels a young player between the age of 12 and 16 is talented and would benefit from some dedicated, higher level coaching with his or her peers, they can nominate that player for the Hampshire Development Centre (or DC for short).

This not to say the club can't provide an excellent level of coaching, but you will find players of mixed abilities at most club training sessions, and that will likely determine the quality of the session a coach can deliver.

So, the club or school nominates the player and they can participate in the DC.

Upon completion of the DC, if a player is not nominated for the AC Assessments, this where their participation in the Player Pathway stops for this season. They will be invited back next year, providing they remain nominated by their club or school.

Academy Centre (AC)

At the end of the DC, the centre lead coach can nominate players to attend an assessment process for the Academy Centre (AC) . At these AC Assessments, the best players from DCs all over the county come together for a couple of sessions, to be assessed by the Hampshire County (AC) coaches.

DC nominees will be joined at these assessments by players who have just finished the Performance Centre (PC). A PC player will typically have been an AC Player in the previous season.

From this group a squad is chosen of around 20-24 field players and 2-3 goalkeepers, to represent Hampshire in the South Areas AC Championship, where they will train and compete against teams from Kent, London, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

You may get the invitation for the next cycle's DC before the AC is finished and before you're told if you've been selected for the PC or not. In that case, sign up for the DC anyway.

If you get selected for the PC, we will simply transfer your registration on the system to the PC. The cost is always the same.

Performance Centre (PC)

During the AC cycle, AC coaches will identify and select players for the Hampshire Performance Centre (PC) . These players do the PC in place of the DC, because they have been identified as the highest talented players, and the DC would not be the right environment for them.

While in the PC, selected players are invited to the squad that Hampshire sends to the National AC Championship in Nottingham.

At the end of the PC, a player goes straight into the AC Assessments

At every stage of the Hampshire Player Pathway,. players continue to play for their school and club. We do our very best to minimise clashes.

No player ever goes straight in the AC squad,. Regardless of a player's history, they will always need to go to the AC Assessments. Occasionally we may defer the assessment to a later date (i.e. a training date, if a player is managing an injury for example.

How does the TA fit into all this?

If a player is selected for the TA, they are usually advised that they can't do any other activity. In Hampshire we are happy for players and parents to decide what is best for them , although the England Hockey Centralised Calendar does show clashes between practically all the AC match days and TA competition days, so it may not be practical to do both.

Very helpfully, in 2025 EH have given over every single Sunday in September to the TA trials and carelessly dedicated 2 of those Sundays to County (AC) assessments as an afterthought. For players invited to the TA trials, who don't want to potentially lose out on an AC place in case they are not selected, this is not ideal. Make sure you stay in touch with us and keep us informed if this affects you, and we will do our very best to make sure you get seen in at least 1 AC assessment.

What if I stop playing in the TA?

While in the TA, as mentioned before, you probably won't be doing anything else other than club hockey. If, at some point, you decide to stop participating in the TA, you can re-enter the Hampshire Player Pathway at the AC Assessments. You don't have to go back to the DC. Contact us for more details

Game Changers

Game Changers isn't part of the Hampshire Hockey Pathway (yet), but it is a tool we would like to start using in the future to spot talented 11 year olds (U12s) who may be ready for U13 DC a year early.

At the moment, while we try to discourage it, we do allow clubs to nominate U12s if they feel they are ready for the DC. We ask for a letter from a L2 (min) qualified coach to support the application, but more often than not, this doesn't come, or is sometimes written by a coach who hasn't had the benefit of seeing too many players of a certain level on the same pitch, thereby not having a great grasp of what an exceptional player looks like.

Some U13s can be big, confident and fast, and putting a small 11 year old in the mix can be intimidating for that player, especially if they don't know anyone there. So this needs to be managed much better and, hopefully, Game Changers can help us with that in the future.

Introducing Hampshire Game Changers: A New Talent Development Initiative for Young Hockey Players

koo@island-webdesign.co.uk (Koo Janzen) — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 13:58:22 GMT

Hampshire Hockey is excited to announce the launch of "Hampshire Game Changers," a pilot program designed to identify and nurture young talent across the county.

Targeting players in the U9, U10, and U11 age groups, this initiative offers a unique environment for skill development ahead of entry into the county system at U13.

The programme comprises four 90-minute sessions, scheduled on April 26, May 3, May 10, and May 17, 2025. Each session focuses on refining core skills and introducing advanced techniques within game scenarios. Participants will benefit from coaching by experienced, active Hampshire Player Pathway coaches.

Clubs are invited to nominate up to three players per age group and gender. Additionally, each club is expected to send a coach to participate in the sessions, fostering continuity in player development. The cost is £40 per player for all four sessions, which includes a t-shirt.

This pilot program aims to provide a neutral setting where promising young players can enhance their skills outside the regular club season. As it evolves, feedback from participants will be integral to its development.

For more details and to register, please visit the Game Changers page on this website.

How Not to Do it or Be Careful What You Sneer At

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:37:43 GMT

The following two coaching experiences involve four different coaches in two different countries, but in order for the narrative to flow, and for my own entertainment, I will pretend that it was the same pair of coaches in the same session. For further (slight) amusement I’ll call them Murdo and Morag.

I was assisting two relatively new but endlessly enthusiastic co-lead coaches on a cold and windy evening in October (I wasn’t - this is fiction). A small sided game is in progress, and after a while, Morag has seen enough, and calls the players in for group feedback. She reminds them that the purpose of the exercise is to work on counter attacking, and for a really effective counter attack, players must get ahead of the ball. Quite right I think, well said Morag. Morag asks Murdo if there is anything he’d like to add. You bet there is. Murdo points out that in order to sustain an attack, it’s important that there are players supporting the ball in case the opposition has covered all the downfield options. Wise fellow I think, that’s absolutely right.

Then I look at the players who are all, without exception, utterly baffled. I spend a moment wondering what on earth they are finding so confusing, before finally realising, as I am sure you did some moments ago, that Morag and Murdo’s coaching notes are mutually exclusive. How, the players are wondering, do we get ahead of the ball and support the ball at the same time ? Still wondering, they are dispatched back into action whilst gamely attempting the impossible.

Silly old Morag and Murdo I chuckle to myself, fancy giving such oxymoronic instructions. Thank god I’m not that daft.

Later, during a different small sided game, Murdo has spotted a problem. He calls the players in, and tells them that they are too quiet. He wants more communication. Communication, he says, is very important and there is literally none at all. Great point Murdo, I think. They are very quiet and they definitely need to talk more.

Then I look at the players, and once more they are baffled. This time I’m stumped. There’s no contradiction here surely ? Then it hits me - they don’t know what they are supposed to say. No coach in their right mind would ask a player to simply start hitting on the back hand without showing them the technique first. So it goes with communication. What are the players supposed to say to each other.

I thought about all of this for the remainder of the session and in the car on the way home. It was in the car that a nasty thought struck me. I’d spent a fair bit of time laughing (in the privacy of my own head) at Morag & Murdo in a definitely snide and sneery way. I had better make darn sure that I am always absolutely clear with my coaching notes and technical advice. I can’t claim that I have achieved that lofty goal, but my sneering is never far away from my thoughts when I coach.

Genesis - or the beginning of a (nearly) lifelong obsession / passion

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 13:29:46 GMT

My first dim inkling that coaching might be something I could do came during an U13B team game for King Edward VI school versus Pangbourne College, on grass at the school site.

I noticed that one of my friends became very upset when he made a mistake, and it took him a few moments to re-engage with the game. I called across the pitch to him, shouting something like, ”Hard luck mate, head up !” Before my amazed eyes, he stood up straight, grinned at me and immediately chased after the ball with renewed energy. I kept doing this through the rest of the game, adding extravagant praise when one of my team mates did something good (“brilliant pass !”). They all played better.

This was profound. Someone else could help you play better ! Not just show you how to play as my teachers had - teach skills and so on, but help you play better. More than that, this was something I could do. It was such an important moment for me that I could take you the exact spot on which I experienced this epiphany.

By the time I was 16 I was helping coach the minis at Trojans on Sunday mornings, and I continued to be involved in coaching more or less continuously after that. Being a modest player, and marvelling at the skills some of my friends had which I lacked, I became a player adept at reading the game, seeing both attacking opportunities and defensive threats. My communication developed beyond encouragement to tactical calls, as I began to understand how the team could be greater than the sum of its parts.

In 2008 I completed the old Level 1 course, and in 2011 the old level 2 course. I felt I needed these qualifications to add gravitas - since I was an ok player, I needed the credentials so players would take me seriously. It turns out that this is not always the case, but that, as they say, is another story!

I started coaching in the Hampshire Single System, as it was, in 2013, and was immediately bowled over. This was (and is) a fantastic coaching environment. The range of player ability was much narrower than I was used to, they were all motivated and keen to improve, and I had talented and capable assistant coaches.

In 2015 I led my first AC squad (Boys U16s). If I was enthusiastic before, now I was properly hooked!

I have also attended various coach development days over the years via Hampshire and others, and have learned an enormous amount from the likes of Kwan Brown, John Hurst, Steve Hardy, and others, on how to deliver coaching notes, how to deliver a session, and how to manage other coaches, among many other lessons, and have also learned a number of equally valuable lessons of what we might call ‘how not to do it’ from a much bigger range of coaches who shall all remain nameless, in order to protect their blushes and my ongoing good health...

These posts are very much intended to provoke an exchange of views. I believe that all of us within the Player Pathway have much to learn from each other, so I invite all of you to comment below, ideally on what you like about coaching in the Player Pathway, but really anything you want to share!

Welcoming Jim East as Our New Coach Development Officer

koo@island-webdesign.co.uk (Koo Janzen) — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:47:37 GMT

We’re thrilled to announce Jim East as the newest addition to the Hampshire Hockey Player Pathway Group Committee, taking on the role of Coach Development Officer.

Jim brings a wealth of coaching experience and a passion for nurturing hockey talent, making him an ideal fit for this role.

With a career spanning over three decades, Jim's dedication to hockey coaching and development is evident through his extensive background, credentials, and hands-on coaching history.

In his new role, Jim will be the primary point of contact for coaches seeking guidance and growth in Hampshire. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting your journey, Jim is here to support you with insights, training opportunities, and resources tailored to enhance coaching standards across the region.

Jim’s responsibilities include supporting coaches in their education and personal development, creating development opportunities, and coordinating events to strengthen our coaching community.

The Coach Development Officer role is a new one for us and a vital step in ensuring that we provide the best possible support for Hampshire’s coaches.

Previously, these responsibilities fell under the broader role of Director of Coaching, led by Kevin Small. Upon Kevin’s departure, we saw an opportunity to rethink the structure, making it more relevant and specialised to our Player Pathway. By splitting this role, we will be looking to have three regional coaching managers for the DC cycles, each focusing on local coordination, while Jim’s role focuses solely on coaching development.

Jim will also oversee our annual Introduction to Coaching group bookings and manage the budget for assisting coaches with training costs where needed. His impressive coaching credentials speak to his commitment and capability, holding not only Level 1 and Level 2 Coaching certificates, Sports First Aid, an enhanced CRB, but he has also has attended attended Level 3 Coaching Workshops: Attacking Final 3rd, Attacking Outletting,. Goal Scoring, Team Defence, and Unit Play.

With many years of experience as a lead coach for various teams, including the Hampshire AC Boys U17 and Romsey Mens and Ladies 1st teams, Jim has worked across all levels, from junior to adult teams, honing his expertise and approach. His journey in coaching, spanning from his early days with Trojans Juniors to his recent roles with Hampshire’s Player Pathway teams, reflects his deep connection to the sport.

Please join us in welcoming Jim East to our team. We’re excited to see the positive impact he will have on Hampshire Hockey, helping coaches across the region grow and succeed.

Welcome aboard, Jim!

U16/17 Hampshire DC Match Day: A Spectacular Finale

koo@island-webdesign.co.uk (Koo Janzen) — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 16:49:10 GMT

Today, Sunday, July 14, marked the exciting conclusion of the 2024 Hampshire Development Centres (DC) with the U16/17 match day. As promised in last week's article, the day was filled with thrilling hockey, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our young players.

Boys' Matches in the Morning

The day kicked off with the U16/17 boys' matches. The North region impressively fielded three teams, while the South East and South West regions each had one team. Due to the limited availability of goalkeepers—only four for the entire boys' match day—these goalkeepers had to play every game, ensuring that each team had the essential defensive support on the field.

Given the imbalance in the number of teams, the league results were determined by a percentage calculation. This method took into account the number of games won and drawn relative to the total games played by each region, with greater weight given to wins. Here’s how the standings shaped up:

1st Place: North Hants with 61.1%
2nd Place: South East with 33.3%
3rd Place: South West with 16.6%

The boys showcased phenomenal skill and teamwork, making the morning sessions a great success.

Girls' Matches in the Afternoon

After a spirited morning, it was the U16/17 girls' turn to take the field. The North region managed to field two teams, while the South East and South West each brought one team. Despite a few players being unavailable, resulting in minimal or no substitutes, the girls displayed remarkable endurance and skill, playing extended matches to ensure everyone got ample time on the pitch.

The girls’ matches were intense, with scores reflecting tightly contested games. Here are the final standings:

1st Place: North with 61.1%
2nd Place: South West with 55.5% (winning one and drawing two games)
3rd Place: South East (despite losing all three games, their performance was commendable and often dominated the play, but they were unlucky in the deciding shuffles which replaced penalty corners today)

A Day of Gratitude and Celebration

We are incredibly grateful to South Central Hockey Officiating for providing the umpires, ensuring the games were officiated fairly and professionally. Their contribution was crucial to the smooth running of the match day.

This match day not only marked the end of the U16/17 events but also concluded the 2024 Hampshire Development Centres. It’s been an incredible journey, and none of it would have been possible without the dedication of our coaches, the enthusiasm of our players, and the unwavering support of parents, guardians, and family members.

As we celebrate the conclusion of another successful season, we look forward to many more moments of joy, growth, and achievement in the future. Thank you to everyone who made this season memorable. Let's continue to support and inspire our young athletes as they develop and shine in the world of hockey.

Hampshire Hockey Player Pathway: Celebrating Success at the U13, U14, and U15 DC Match Days

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 17:35:25 GMT

This past weekend marked a thrilling chapter for Hampshire Hockey Player Pathway as we concluded our U13, U14, and U15 Development Centre (DC) Match Days. With nearly 700 players across the U13 to U17 age groups participating this year, the enthusiasm and talent on display have been nothing short of inspiring.

The weekend's events saw girls' teams taking to the field on Saturday, followed by the boys' teams on Sunday. Teams from the three regions—North, South West, and South East—competed in a series of 11-a-side games, showcasing their skills and dedication.

A special highlight was the involvement of our young umpires, who recently completed their England Hockey Online Introduction to Umpiring Course. These young officials were guided by experienced umpire coaches from South Central Hockey Officiating, ensuring that the matches were conducted smoothly and fairly.

The quality of hockey was exceptional, with players giving their all and making Hampshire proud. The supportive atmosphere, created by enthusiastic coaches and the cheering families and friends, added to the vibrancy of the event.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Basingstoke Hockey Club for their exceptional hosting and use of their excellent facilities, which greatly contributed to the success of the tournaments.

Match Results

Under 13 Girls:

1st place: South West
2nd place: South East
3rd place: North

Under 14 Girls:

1st place: South East
2nd place: South West
3rd place: North

Under 15 Girls:

1st place: South West
2nd place: South East
3rd place: North

Under 13 Boys:

1st place: South East
2nd place: South West
3rd place: North

Under 14 Boys:

1st place: South West
2nd place: South East
3rd place: North

Under 15 Boys:

1st place: South West
2nd place: South East
3rd place: North

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate the successes of our U13 to U15 players, we eagerly anticipate next week's U16 and U17 DC Match Days. These events promise to bring more excitement and exceptional hockey, continuing the journey of development and achievement for our young athletes.

A huge thank you to everyone involved—coaches, parents, guardians, families, and, of course, the players. Your dedication and support are the bedrock of our community, making events like these possible and memorable.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us in cheering on our U16 and U17 players next week!

Hampshire Hockey Player Pathway: Nurturing the Next Generation of Umpires

koo@island-webdesign.co.uk (Koo Janzen) — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 08:02:10 GMT

The Hampshire Player Pathway Young Umpire Development Course starts tonight (28 June)

Tonight marks an exciting milestone for Hampshire Hockey Player Pathway as we launch our Young Umpire Development Course. On June 28, 2024, 30 awesome players from our U16/17 Development Centre groups will take their first steps into the world of umpiring by participating in an England Hockey Online Introduction to Umpiring Course.

The response to our call for participants was overwhelming. We extended invitations to all U16/17 DC players and were thrilled by the enthusiastic turnout, quickly filling all available spots on the course. This level of interest highlights the passion and commitment our young athletes have, not just for playing hockey, but for contributing to the sport in diverse ways.

As part of their training, these budding umpires will also gain hands-on experience by officiating at our U13-15 Match Days. This practical exposure is crucial for their development, providing them with real-world situations to apply their newfound knowledge. We are incredibly thankful to South Central Officiating for their support in this initiative. Their provision of experienced umpire coaches ensures that our young umpires receive the guidance and mentorship they need to succeed.

On match day, each young umpire will be equipped with a card set, a whistle, and an umpiring shirt, symbolising their new role in the game. These tools are not just functional but also serve as a badge of honor, signifying their commitment to upholding the standards and spirit of hockey.

We encourage everyone to support our young umpires when you see them on the pitch. A little encouragement goes a long way in boosting their confidence and reinforcing their important role in the sport. Your positive feedback can inspire them to continue developing their skills and contribute to the future of hockey in Hampshire.

Let's cheer on our young umpires as they embark on this exciting journey. Their dedication today lays the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant hockey community tomorrow!

Sunday 3 Dec 2023 - weather

koo@island-webdesign.co.uk (Koo Janzen) — Sat, 02 Dec 2023 08:50:46 GMT

The forecast is not too bad...

We have been getting some questions about whether or not we will be cancelling the AC training on Sunday because of the weather.

At the moment, looking at the forecasts, it seems that frost will not be a problem on Sunday.

We can, of course, never be 100% sure, but as a rule, the coaches will make a decision on the day when they get to the pitch.

I realise that doesn't help those of you that have to travel a long distance or who have the additional cost of a ferry crossing, but we have to cater for hundreds of players and re-scheduling sessions with the congested calendar we have, is a huge challenge.

So, as long as the pitch is safe, hockey will continue.

Remember to always check your squad page on this website before the session as any last minute changes will be published there.

Winchester Hockey Club Summer Performance camp

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 08:46:35 GMT

Inaugural Hampshire PC classed a success!

koo@island-webdesign.co.uk (Koo Janzen) — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 09:07:44 GMT

Last Saturday (8th July 2023) saw the final session of the newly formed Hampshire PC. We had hoped for some stiff opposition but in the end, we were unable to get that organised, so the U15s played the U18s and some fantastic hockey was on display!

The training sessions of the new Hampshire PC culminated in a match day that saw the U15s pitted against the U18s in a couple of matches of 4 x 20 minute quarters, starting with the girls at 09:30 and followed by the boys at around lunch time.

We had hoped to invite the current TA squads for some competition, but the schedule didn't allow for that.

Despite that, the parents and onlookers were treated to some fine displays of hockey in the mixed weather we were having that day.

I had the opportunity to speak to a number of parents and club representatives on the day, and the overall feedback of the Hampshire PC programme was extremely positive. The fact that we organised this new tier with the higher level coaching was received very well, specially as it stopped these players having to re-enter the DC, which would not have been the most appropriate level for them.

We have a had a good deal of positive feedback from parents and players. One player said: "Excellent standard of coaching and other players to play with and against. Good to have opportunities to do fitness with friends. Good to be in a smaller group than it would be in DC and felt easier to be able to ask the coaches questions. It was fun and really think I benefited from it all." Another one said: "I liked the stretch made which I wouldn't receive in club training especially in the fitness sector"

Some feedback by parents read: " [***] got a lot from training with the different age groups (both younger and older), they get somewhat used to playing in a group and this opportunity allows them to challenge themselves in different situations around different players. "

We were also told; "[xxx]'s confidence has risen a great deal, as a result of these sessions ." and " Hope this option continues. It has been brilliant keeping those in the gap between county and TA engaged and playing High level hockey. Great initiative ."

Some constructive feedback centred around the short notice before the programme started, some unexpected changes to dates and venues when certain coaches and facilities became unavailable, and the lack of meaningful match play against PCs from other counties.

We asked all players and parents to score the PC out of 5, with 1 being 'poor' and 5 'excellent', and we scored 4s and 5s, roughly split equally among the respondents.

All the PC players (except the U18s) will be invited to the AC Assessments where they will be assessed for a place in next year's county teams.

Hampshire DC Applications to open with some changes

koo@island-webdesign.co.uk (Koo Janzen) — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 19:41:54 GMT

The registration process for new players and the application process for returning players opens on Thursday 23 March at 10:00am with a few subtle changes to how we deal with club and school nominations

What is the DC?

The DC (or Development Centre) is the first step on the Hampshire Player Pathway for talented players identified by their club or school as being ready for the next step. It is not for beginners, but more for those players who are committed to raise their level and put in the hard work to do so.

Hampshire runs centres for field players as well as goalkeepers and the programme is a mix of training days and match days.

More information can be found on our DC pages .

After the DC, selected players are nominated for the AC (or Academy Centre) Assessments.

Nominations

We rely on the clubs and schools to identify those players ready for the DC, and ask them to nominate those players by entering their name, dob and player position into our online Pathway Management System.

Each club or school can appoint one Junior Prime Contact who will, when logged in, have the relevant access on the system to nominate players, and track players from their club or school through the pathway.

What has changed?

In the past, when nominations were entered on forms, and emailed or posted to the HHA administrator, it was very difficult to track a player's progress or even check on players who might have left the club or school. Players, once nominated, were kind of nominated for life even if they left their club or took a break playing hockey.

Now, JPCs have the option to remove a nomination for a player if that player has left the club (or school), or if the coaches feel the player is no longer of the required standard for DC.

The Hampshire Pathway Management System will match every new player registration and every returning player DC registration, against the list of nominations, and if a match can be found, all is good. However, if a match can't be found, the parent/guardian will see a message on the system (see below) to say a nomination is missing.

PLEASE NOTE: If the club or school JPC entering the nomination does not use the exact same details in the player's name and/or date of birth, the system may not be able to match the two and the message will appear. The administrator will be able to check this and marry up applications with nominations where the discrepancy is minor, but consistent use of a player's details is very helpful (every year we are amazed at how many parents don't know their child's date of birth...��)

If a player was nominated in the past, that nomination will still show up as such on the system. So, technically, a past player is nominated unless the school or club JPC has deliberately removed that nomination from the system (or if there is a discrepancy as mentioned earlier). If you see the message, please contact your club or school in the first instance.

Past DC players (and current AC players) and their parents/guardians will all get an email from the administrator when registrations open again but that email will go out to everybody on the system. Please don't assume your child is nominated just because you receive that email, but log in and check.

If you know your nomination is done and you need to register for the first time, or apply as a returning player, start your journey by reading all the info on our DC pages first .

Hampshire PP announces exciting new programme

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 16:06:01 GMT

The Hampshire Hockey Player Pathway are pleased to announce an exciting new programme for our young talented athletes in Hampshire, the Hampshire Performance Centre (HPC) . This exciting new initiative will start in the summer of the 2023/24 season.

With this being year 1 of a programme, it will serve as a pilot year where we intend to roll out a programme that we learn from and look to develop and evolve over future cycles.

Why is the HPC needed?

With the disbanding of EH run Performance Centres and the roll out of the new Talent Academy format, the lack of opportunities for further development for players beyond AC (County hockey) did not sit well with the members of the Hampshire Player Pathway committee. So, over the last few months we have been brainstorming to see what we can do to fill this gap in the current player development model.

(HPC 13-15) Our primary concern is that talented athletes aged 13-15 currently have no further development opportunities beyond AC. This means that arguably one of the most important age brackets in an athlete’s development is being overlooked.

It is essential that this is addressed and as a county we feel it is our responsibility to make sure we offer an environment that helps to fill this gap between AC and TA, not just to offer further opportunity for development but also to help ease the transition between AC and a TA when the athletes finally reach an age when they are eligible for TA nomination.

(HPC 15-18) This is the TA age bracket and with only 25 places per gender available at each TA, many players will potentially miss out on further development beyond AC. The older HPC bracket will not only offer an opportunity for further development for the athletes, but can also be used to further aid in talent identification for potential TA transition for future cycles.

The HPC will also offer an opportunity for the standout players from each AC squad to come together in an environment where the coaches can offer the stretch that they need to continue with their hockey development, stretch they may not find by returning to DC once the AC cycle finishes in May. It also frees up space in the current DC centres for new athletes that may have missed out in the past due to limited spaces.

How will the HPC run?

As a programme, the HPC will look to fulfil the tier of development beyond AC currently missing, offering high quality training and match play across the summer months between the end of the AC cycle and the August summer holidays. Players eligible for the program will be selected by coaches of current AC squads and fill the below brackets.

ACU13 & ACU14 = HPC U15 Squad
ACU15, ACU16 & ACU17 = HPC U18 Squad

Each squad will consist of 16-20 players including 2-4 goalkeepers.

Players nominated by their AC coaches will then be eligible to take part in the Hampshire PC that will run alongside DC, meaning the players nominated will not need to attend the DC cycle and will automatically be granted an AC assessment invitation for the following cycle at the end of the HPC program. Please note that this is not an automatic place in the AC squad - they will need to be assessed along with the other players nominated from the DC cycle.

There will be no assessments for the HPC. In effect, the entire AC cycle serves as an assessment process to gain an opportunity to join the programme, as current AC cycle lead coaches will nominate players from their squads to participate in the program once the AC comes to an end in May.

The HDC will run weekly for 6 weeks consisting of training sessions followed by a match day. Sessions will be led by lead AC coaches within the HHPP set up.

We are the first county in England to pilot a program like this, putting us at the forefront of player development in the country. What we are hoping is that we lead by example and other counties adopt similar programmes to enable us to create a tier of development and competition between the current AC program and TA.

The NEW Format of the Hampshire DC

koo@island-webdesign.co.uk (Koo Janzen) — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 14:18:44 GMT

Like many, I have been looking on with ever growing concern the changes England Hockey are forcing through with their new talent identification system. While this is not the place to air my grievances with EH, it is their actions that have forced us in Hampshire to make a number of changes to how we run our County activity.

My main concern is that EH's new way forward will result in many young players being unable to access the higher-level coaching that was associated with the now abolished Player Pathway. The new system will see a collection of clubs becoming Talent Centres and at the time of writing, I believe 3 clubs in Hampshire have been accepted to become TCs or are working towards it. Then there should also be a selection of Talent Academies across the country, for the elite 25 players for each gender in an area.

From what I understand, a player doesn’t have to be in a Talent Centre in order to be 'selected' for a Talent Academy. Players can also be ‘spotted’ during County activity and rest assured, our coaches will make sure no talent will go un-identified!

Some people in the know have told me that being a Talent Centre club is nothing more than an extended accreditation system. However, as expected, we have already seen a lot of movement of young players away from their local clubs to clubs that are set to become TCs and I believe this will have some serious repercussions on junior hockey at club level.

I don't know how this process will evolve in years to come but what is clear is that if a player has the talent to be selected for Talent Academy level, he or she, and their parents/guardians, will need to commit a lot of time, travel and money to the cause, something that not everyone will be able to do.

In any case, here in Hampshire we will continue to focus all our efforts on delivering great development opportunities for all our young players and working towards creating great Hampshire County teams that will compete against their opposite numbers from London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Sussex and Kent.

Despite the fact that our activities in Hampshire have always been the county elements of (at first) the EH Single System, and later the EH Player Pathway, our main driving force has only ever been to create opportunities for players to become the best they can be.

As much as that can sound like a cliché, it really is true. We measure our success not by how many Hampshire players end up playing for England, but by how many players are still excited to return to the DC and the county teams at age 16 or 17, and how many are still playing hockey at university level and beyond.

Personally, I don't believe we have any business looking for the next international talent among our 12-17 year old players. That is just far too young. All we need to do is provide excellent coaching and development opportunities for players at various stages throughout the cycle. We take an occasional snap-shot to identify where the talent is at that moment in time, and then group them together to give them coaching and opportunities tailored to that level. That is what the original Single System, introduced over a decade ago by then EH Performance Director, David Faulkner, was so good at. It allowed us to provide higher level coaching to a wide base at DC and then select the players that were ready to represent their county (AC). From those, we could nominate players to the regional level where they would receive appropriate training that, in turn, could lead to a place in the Future's Cup. And guess what: players were not forced to choose between that and representing their county, as the cycles ran concurrently.

Representing your county in a challenging and meaningful County Championship has got to be one of the greatest honours for any young player. If you ask Alex Danson, gold medal winning England & GB International hockey player, she will tell you that representing Hampshire in her teenage years, comes second only to pulling on a England shirt.

This is why Hampshire and the other counties mentioned earlier, have worked so hard to keep our County Championship alive, despite England Hockey's re-organisation and re-zoning which has basically put paid to the county hockey associations as we knew them.

I do not know what the immediate and longer term future looks like for talent development under England Hockey but I, and my colleagues on the HHA Player Pathway Committee, together with our excellent Hampshire coaches, are going to continue to deliver an exciting sub-county and county programme in order to keep giving our young players a place to develop their skills and become the best they can be.

Koo Janzen

Hampshire Player Pathway

March 2022

Hampshire Schools & Youth and Player Pathway News

Behind the Pads: Hampshire’s Goalkeepers Step Up

Specialist training, strong commitment, and a clear pathway helping Hampshire’s goalkeepers develop beyond the squad environment.

TL;DR:

A Strong 2026 Programme

Looking Ahead

National County Championships Return – Hampshire to Field Four Teams

Hampshire U15 and U17 squads will compete in the expanded 2026 NCC as defending champions and strong contenders.

�� Tournament Dates (updated 11 December 2025)

�� Hampshire’s Involvement

�� Defending U17 Champions

�� Growing Competition

�� Costs & Contribution

�� More Information to Follow

Hampshire Game Changers Returns for 2026 – Bigger and Better!

A four-week development programme for U9–U11 players, designed to inspire future hockey talent across Hampshire.

What is Game Changers?

What’s New for 2026?

Key Dates for 2026:

How to Get Involved

Winning Beyond the Scoreboard: How Hampshire Took Gold at the NCC

Coach Dave Miles unpacks how Hampshire’s U17 squads prepared, performed and won big at the 2025 National County Championships.

A Blueprint for Tournament Success

Managing the Human Element

Adaptability is Key

Looking Ahead

Double Gold! Hampshire Crowned U17 National Champions

It’s official: Hampshire’s U17 Boys and U17 Girls are National County Champions!

�� U17 Boys – Champions with Clean Sheets and Cool Heads ��

�� U17 Girls – Revenge, Resilience and Glory ��

�� Behind the Scenes: The Real MVPs

�� Looking Ahead ﻿

Hampshire U17s Shine on National Stage as Finals Beckon

U17 Boys edge toward the final as U17 Girls prepare for their semi-final clash against Buckinghamshire.

U17 Boys Dominate Their Pool and Lead Championship Table

U17 Girls Power into the Semis with Grit and Determination

Behind the Scenes – The Real Dream Team

Final Thoughts

Hampshire U17s Head to Nationals at Nottingham Hockey Centre

The return of the County Championships sees Hampshire U17 Boys and Girls ready to compete on the national stage

Why it matters

Venue & Accommodation

Hampshire U17 Girls Squad

Hampshire U17 Boys Squad

Blowing the Whistle with Confidence – Young Umpires Shine at DC Match Days

Hampshire Player Pathway and South Central Officiating join forces for a fantastic umpire development experience

Future in Focus: Young Umpires Step Up at Hampshire Theory Evening

Over 30 brave young leaders kick off their umpiring journey at our DC Umpiring theory evening!

Meet Our 2024/25 Young Umpires

Start of the 2025 DC | Email to all players

On the 8th of May, 2025 I sent the below email to all players and parents registered to take part in the 2025 Development Centre. A copy can also be found when you log in at the Pathway Management System on www.hampshireplayers.net

(Some of) What I learned from Danny Newcombe

What’s the problem ?

How to solve the problem ?

“About half the time”

DC, AC, PC -What’s with all the acronyms and how does it all work?

Confused? You're not the only one. Read on for the ultimate Hampshire Player Pathway 101

So, you can see where the acronyms started… ��

Here is how it all works

Development Centre (DC)

Academy Centre (AC)

Performance Centre (PC)

How does the TA fit into all this?

What if I stop playing in the TA?

Game Changers

Introducing Hampshire Game Changers: A New Talent Development Initiative for Young Hockey Players

Hampshire Hockey is excited to announce the launch of "Hampshire Game Changers," a pilot program designed to identify and nurture young talent across the county.

How Not to Do it or Be Careful What You Sneer At

Genesis - or the beginning of a (nearly) lifelong obsession / passion

My first dim inkling that coaching might be something I could do came during an U13B team game for King Edward VI school versus Pangbourne College, on grass at the school site.

Welcoming Jim East as Our New Coach Development Officer

We’re thrilled to announce Jim East as the newest addition to the Hampshire Hockey Player Pathway Group Committee, taking on the role of Coach Development Officer.

U16/17 Hampshire DC Match Day: A Spectacular Finale

Today, Sunday, July 14, marked the exciting conclusion of the 2024 Hampshire Development Centres (DC) with the U16/17 match day. As promised in last week's article, the day was filled with thrilling hockey, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our young players.

Boys' Matches in the Morning

Girls' Matches in the Afternoon

A Day of Gratitude and Celebration

Hampshire Hockey Player Pathway: Celebrating Success at the U13, U14, and U15 DC Match Days

Match Results

Looking Ahead

�� Looking Ahead