Juniors - Club youth development programme

Blandford & Sturminster Hockey Club runs 2 mixed minis coaching sessions.  Years 2-7 (age 6-12yrs) can train on Wednesday evenings 6.15pm-7.15pm at Clayesmore School and Years 5-9 (age 9-14yrs) at Bryanston School on Thursdays.  All sessions are led by qualified coaches, ably assisted by other club members and parents. As a matter of course all coaching staff helping at the minis sessions have been CRB checked.

The coaching plan for the season is based upon the 'Stix Skills' programme which has been designed by England Hockey for young players to teach them core hockey skills.  During the season the children take part in local mixed hockey tournaments which they thoroughly enjoy as they meet members from other clubs and put into practise what they have learnt.  Last season we had teams representing the club at the Dorset Youth Games, our U11 and U14 girls both won their groups and both U11 and U14 boys came second in their respective groups.  The season ends with a Stix Skills presentation to all children and a trophy is presented for the most improved player.

For further details of the junior section please contact the Youth Development Officer Justine Turnbull on 01258 861828.

Latest news from the Juniors Section of B&SNHC........

Wimborne Under 12 Tournament Sunday 2nd March
Last Sunday was Mothering Sunday and while the Mothers were being pampered the Fathers took control of the Under 12s to great effect.
This was the last of the junior tournaments for the season and it resulted in an excellent win for the boys and girls from Blandford & Sturminster.
With wins over Wimborne, 3 Bournemouth sides and a draw with Beaminster they were worthy winners and did not conceed a goal.
So well done to : Stacey,Kate,Chantelle,Charlie,Tyler,Bradley,Oscar,George,George,Duncan and Alex for excellent team play and not moaning too much when they couldn't play in all the games.
A big thank you to Mark and Phil and all the parents who came to support.
Hopefully we will be back for more next year!

With the launch this season of Blandford & Sturminster Hockey club the junior section has proved a great success.  Registered members attending 2 training sessions are already up to 50 children and these are supported by a dedicated coaching team of 10 qualified volunteers.

We have been entering teams into the local U12 mixed and U14 boys & girls tournaments.  These have given the junior players the opportunity to put into practise the skills they have been learning at training.  The tournaments have proved a great success with both our U14 girls and U12 mixed teams winning the whole competition!  It is also very positive as all the junior players have thoroughly enjoyed playing these tournaments and are very keen to put themselves forward for the forthcoming events in 2008.

As a Club we are looking forward to developing the junior members and encourage them to continue to enjoy their hockey.