Our Junior section accommodates boys and girls from 4 to 16 years of age. Training is on Sunday mornings on the Astro at Newmarket Leisure Centre and begins in September, running through until Easter with a long break for Christmas. These sessions are mainly coaching based, except for when matches or tournaments are arranged. For more information please contact our Junior Coordinator, Vicky Benedikz at newmarkethcjuniors@gmail.com
Training Times
| U6 / U8 / U10 + U16 Goalkeepers | 10:00-11:00 |
| U12 / U14 / U16 + U10 Goalkeepers | 11:00-12:00 |
Goalkeeper training will also occur every other week over both sessions to allow players to try goalkeeping and still attend their normal outfield training. Age groups are aligned to academic school years (i.e. based on a player’s age on 1st September) as requested by England Hockey. The junior hockey program is managed by the club’s Junior Coordinator, supported by a committed group of volunteer coaches and assistants.
Refreshments, changing facilities and toilets are available at the Leisure Centre.
We regularly provide junior players the opportunity to attend County Level coaching where they are assessed for the chance to play for their County and possibly beyond. As a club, we have had a number of players in recent years representing their counties.
Junior Calendar
There is always plenty happening in the Junior section of the club. A full calendar of sessions and events can be found here.
Transition to Seniors
Junior training is primarily for players under 14, with older juniors (14-18 years) encouraged to train with the senior squads on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. For more information, click here to download the Juniors Development to Seniors Document
Matches
We do not currently play in a junior league but instead enter regular tournaments with local clubs during the season. Tournament matches are split into U8, U10, & U12 age groups.
U8 and U10 teams are mixed and play England Hockey’s “Quicksticks” format. U8’s play 5-a-side on 1/8 pitch and U10’s play 6-a-side on 1/4 pitch.
U12 teams are single gender and play England Hockey’s ‘In2Hockey’ 7 a-side game on half pitches.
U14 teams is an area for development where we are in discussion with other local clubs.
What to Wear
Astroturf boots are recommended but you can wear trainers. Please note that studded football boots are not allowed on the astroturf. As a member, you will receive an NHC shirt and socks. However, please ensure that you are wearing shin pads and a gum shield – these items must be worn by all U18’s playing hockey, as stated in the England Hockey rules.
What to Bring
We strongly advise bringing a drink – don’t worry if you don’t have a hockey stick, we have plenty of spare ones to lend out.