DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (DC)
Due to the number of nominations received this summer, all age groups will participate in a development programme consisting of 5 sessions and selection will be made at the end of the development programme to the County Hockey Squads.
PREPARATION FOR TRAINING SESSIONS
We strongly suggest that players bring a drink and perhaps a snack to all sessions and always have suitable clothing for all types of weather.
Hockey shin pads and gum shields are essential.
A hockey glove (left hand) is also recommended. Defenders’ face masks will be available when required in line with Covid-19 risk assessments.
TRAINING SESSIONS
County training takes precedence over club and school hockey in accordance with the England Hockey Centralised Calendar..
Players are expected to attend all the training sessions to allow for thorough assessment by their coaches. We do realise that there are some occasions when they cannot attend but the coaches must be informed..
Contingency weeks may be scheduled in case of bad weather disrupting the training schedule..
Goalkeepers will train separately most of the time but may be integrated for some training sessions..
ILLNESS & INJURY
Illness or injury should be notified to the administrator prior to the session (or to the coach if it occurs during training) and where necessary the Centre Team will make the final decision on the player taking part in the session based upon their welfare and wellbeing.
Missing a session through illness or injury will not impact on a player’s potential selection for the next stage due to our programme of ongoing assessment throughout the sessions.
ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Throughout the Development Programme process all the players are being evaluated by independent assessors who are present at all sessions.
By the end of the programme the coaches will nominate players for the Academy Centre (AC or County) based on a combination of their own judgement and the assessor feedback.
The squad sizes are max. 20 outfield for U13 and U14s, who play 7 a-side hockey at this level (2 squads selected) and max. 18 outfield for U15, U16, U17s.
East Cheshire no longer provides written feedback for players after the DC.
The best feedback is given on the pitch and in the moment, and players are encouraged to attend the DC with the right mind set and motivated to improve and develop.
U13-U14 DEVELOPMENT CENTRE TRAINING DATES
Find out when your training sessions are by clicking on the link below. All U13 and U14 sessions will take place at Alsager Sports Hub.
U15-U18 DEVELOPMENT CENTRE TRAINING DATES
Find out when your training sessions are by clicking on the link below. All U15 to U18 sessions will take place at Kings School, Macclesfield.