Transition to seniors

Hockey is different to many other sports in that we actively encourage players from aged 13 (12 for selected teams) to take part in senior matches, playing alongside adults.

This can happen in parallel with playing in age-group teams. For example, a 14 year old might belong to both the U15s team and an adult team.

We always consult with parents/guardians of 12/13 years olds to make sure that you and we believe they are ready to transition to senior hockey. i.e. they have the physical strength/stature, they have the skills and also the maturity and mental resilience to move to the next level of their hockey career.

To help players transition into the senior teams we plan the following:

• We introduce the junior players to their potential future adult team-mates - this might mean inviting selected senior players to junior training 
• Or it might mean inviting the youngster to take part in some adult training sessions to get used to the speed of play and size of players
• In addition we may be able to introduce the youngster in a “development match” – one which is specifically designed for younger players and selected adults.
• We will try to buddy-up each youngster with a friend and/or a younger adult in the adult team, so that they can be encouraged and supported in the transition.
• We will keep in contact with you and the youngster throughout to make sure you are both comfortable with progress and can raise any concerns you might have.

It is still important to check Teamo regularly to see upcoming senior events and to update Teamo a week in advance as to whether your youngster is available or not. Selection usually happens on a Wednesday - check in Teamo to see if your child has been selected.

Parents and juniors need to register in England Hockey’s Game Management System (GMS) in order to take part in adult league matches. Click here for more information.

Senior teams use Teamo Chat to communicate (and there are often WhatsApp groups too) as this allows the inclusion of juniors in the chat with the necessary safeguarding protections. (You will see all the messages to/from your child too.)

Adult teams tend to meet for 30 minutes in the clubhouse for a drink and free snack (“teas”). Juniors are encouraged to take part in this informal debrief, often voting for our “Player of the Match” too. This is part of being a team and how we get to know and encourage each other. Please encourage your child to take part rather than collecting them direct from the pitch.