Info for Juniors at the start of the 2008-09 season:

At the AGM many issues around the running of the Junior section were discussed and we hope we have made a few decisions which will help aide the smooth running and more importantly the development of players skills and match play.

At the end of last season we had around 60-70 players attending on a Sunday. With only one pitch, space was limited and it resulted in us being unable to practice on the size pitch that we use during tournaments. While this was less of an issue for the youngest players, it was noted particularly as an issue for the older players.
 
A second issue was the number of coaches per child to give individual feedback on skills and positioning during games. While we have made great strides towards increasing the number of adults on a Sunday, we were still aware that some groups were becoming quite large.

The final issue was that, although a vast majority of parents do pay the fees for both halves of the season, we still are falling short of meeting our pitch costs and actually ran at a loss this season. I do take some responsibility for this, as I admit I'm not as organised as maybe I should be to chase parents for fees.

New Age Groups

England Hockey have made the decision that age groups will be decided on calendar years as opposed to academic years. All clubs and leagues are being asked to follow suit.

Age groups therefore will be as follows:

Children born in 2003 and 2002: Under 7s
Children born in 2001 and 2000: Under 9s
Children born in 1999 and 1998: Under 11s
Children born in 1997 and 1996: Under 13s
Children born in 1994 and 1995: Under 15s
Children born in 1993 and 1992: Under 17s

Times

Sunday mornings will be divided as follows:

10.00 - 11.00  Under 7s; Under 9s and Under 11s
10.30 - 12.00  Under 13s and Under 15s

Monday evening training will be open to all Under 15 and Under 17 players. Under 13 players may be invited to come along if coaches feel they are physically able to cope with the sessions.

These new times mean players will have more pitch space and a larger number of coaches:players.

Costs

Each session will cost 3.00 pound.

There will be 12 training sessions before Christmas, running from Sunday 14th September till Sunday 14th December, with a two week break for half term (no sessions on 26th October and 2nd November). After the success of the end-of-season event, Sunday 14th December will be a fun session with parents invited again.

There will be 10 training sessions after Christmas, running from 11th January till 29th March, with a two week break for half term (no sessions on February 15th and 22nd). Again there will be a fun session to finish but we need to wait to confirm dates of end-of-year festivals first.

The total cost for before Christmas will be: 12 x 3.00 = 36 pounds
The total cost for after Christmas will be: 10 x 3.00 = 30 pounds

Payment

Parents are asked to pay by cheque (made payable to Colchester Hockey Club) in advance of the sessions. I will be sending out consent forms by email before the first session. If parents could bring along the consent form and cheque for 36.00 on the first day this will ensure we can get the organisation part sorted early!

The second installment of 30.00 pounds will be payable on 11th January.

This year we are only able to select children to play in the tournaments if fees have been paid.

Kit

Children must have shin pads and a gum guard. Without these they are unable to play.

George (our U13 coach) is going to be in charge of sorting out kit. At the start of the season she will be able to provide a list of club kit which is available to buy. This is of course optional but if you wished to order a shirt or hoodie, then at least we will be able to guarantee when it will arrive!

We are also going to be asking local businesses and companies if they would be willing to sponsor our U13 girls or U11 teams. The current kit is fine for the Under 9s and Under 7s but we desperately need new for the older players!! If anybody knows of, or works for a company that may be interested, please do let me know.

Tournaments

We are again entered in the Suffolk league with games each month. Details of the tournaments will be on the website before the start of the season so you can put them in your diary! Children will be reminded at training sessions to check the website for messages, details and times etc and to email their availability for
tournaments.

All children are invited to play in the tournaments for U9s, U11s and U13s. If we have too many children, selection is made on the basis of Sunday attendance.

At U15 level and above, selection is made on basis of ability and attendance.

New players

If you are interested to join, please email me. I can then send you the consent forms for you to bring along on the first session. All you need is shin pads, a gum guard and enthusiasm. It doesn't matter if you have never played before!

Existing players

We need to recruit more Year 6 and 7s - particularly girls. If you have any friends you think may be interested, start asking them.....

In the meantime, let me know if you change your email address so you don't miss out on any info!

Thanks to all. Have a happy summer. Look forward to 14th September!

Helen Wall

bedfordroad@talktalk.net