As we head into the new year many of us are thinking about what the best options are for our kids who love hockey. We are very lucky that there are numerous programs available for us to consider and we often ask ourselves numerous questions as we work towards deciding which ‘register now’ button to click. 

These questions may look like … which program/s should I choose? Which one is best for my child? How much time do I have to commit to the program? How much money will it cost? Do I need to do all of them? Will my child miss out if they don’t do this program or that program? 

Making the right choice for your young athlete may be overwhelming so we’ve pulled together some evidence-based information which may help you figure out where to from here.

If we zoom out to a big picture view and look at what the key predictors are for junior vs senior performance, this infographic captures evidence from a really large systematic review and meta-analysis which was conducted in 2022:

So what does this mean for my child? 

In line with the International Olympic Committee consensus statement on youth athletics development: general principles, it means that:

• One size doesn’t fit all – if you look at the program under consideration, ask how the sessions are structured to support different skill levels?

• Sport success doesn’t always mean one thing – what does success look like for your child? Is it involvement with peers and forming lasting friendships, is it making a club division team, is it being selected in a representative team? How could the program support this success?

• Evidence based approaches are paramount – does the program offer age appropriate training and is it run by experienced and well qualified leaders? How do I know this?

• A well-rounded program is best – does it also focus on the development of other skills, not just physical skills? Are the coaches good mentors? Teamwork, cooperation, resilience and adaptability are also vitally important in sport success.

• Sampling v specialisation – chances are the pre-season program you are considering is focussed on specialisation. That’s not a bad thing … just also think about how old is your child? What other sampling opportunities do they get – unstructured play, diverse physical activities, is the next program and the next program after that specialised as well … what does the big picture look like when it all sits together?

• Safety, health and respect are non-negotiables – does the program I’m considering have the correct policies and procedures in place to ensure that my child is going to a safe, healthy and happy environment? Don’t assume! Asking questions is important and ok as a parent.

What is available in the Northwest Sydney area?

Please note the following information is not an endorsement of these programs, nor does it represent all programs that are available. We all love hockey so if you are aware of others then please let us know and we will include additional information.

Club preseason development / conditioning programs

Often the club that you are a member of will run preseason development clinics / conditioning programs. These are often a good, low cost, effective and fun way to prepare for the coming season. Check in with your club to see if they have anything planned. Normally you could expect things to start in late January / early February.

Dolphins Hockey Academy

Offers a variety of training programs and a pathway for further development for athletes of all abilities. Preseason events are open now.

When: 30 January - 2 March, 2025

Where: Across several venues depending on the program selected. Narrabeen or Pennant Hills.

Epic Hockey Academy

Offers a hockey training and educational environment centred around a 360 degree view of athlete growth and development.

An entry process does apply and Epic welcomes applications from all aspiring athletes. Their entry process can be viewed here.

When: A 6 week program beginning in February, and a January 2025 clinic with Brent Livermore

Where: Based out of Lidcombe at the University of Sydney Hockey Club

Hockey NSW 2025 Metro Pathway Program

Target group: Under 16 and under 18 boys and girls who are already state identified athletes. 

Where to register: 2025 Metro Pathway Program - Hockey NSW. Noting that applications close 8 January at 11.45pm.

Impact Hockey

Impact Hockey aims to empower athletes of all ages and skill levels to develop their field hockey skills, experience the joy of competition and reach their potential.

When: Term 1 2025 Pre-season Academy 28 January to 11 March

Where: Cintra Hockey Turf, Concord

Where to register: Power Up Term 1 2025 Pre-season Academy 

Regardless of what approach you choose to take with your child for the upcoming pre-season, if you consider the evidence based guiding principles that we’ve suggested in your decision making, then your child will be on the road to a fun, fulfilling and successful preparation for the season ahead!

References

Barth, M., Güllich, A., Macnamara, B. N., & Hambrick, D. Z. (2022). Predictors of junior versus senior elite performance are opposite: a systematic review and meta-analysis of participation patterns. Sports Medicine, 52(6), 1399-1416.

Bergeron, M. F., Mountjoy, M., Armstrong, N., Chia, M., Côté, J., Emery, C. A., ... & Engebretsen, L. (2015). International Olympic Committee consensus statement on youth athletic development. British journal of sports medicine, 49(13), 843-851.

YLMSportScience. (2019, June 10). YLMSportScience. https://ylmsportscience.com/