Introduction to
Youth Hockey
Overview | Player Pathway | Premier Grade | Championship Grade | Expectations and Commitment
Overview
Welcome to Somerville Youth Club. You will find all the information for Youth Hockey in the following pages, but if you have questions or need further information please get in touch with the Youth Club Captain.
John Williams | Youth Club Captain
somervilleyouthhockey@gmail.com
Somerville Hockey Club provides secondary school-aged students (Years 9-13 if at school – but must be under 18 on 1st January) a chance to play in the Auckland Hockey Youth Competition against other Auckland Clubs. This is parallel to and separate from the College Sport schools competitions. Games are at turfs across Auckland, from May-August, with breaks for school holidays. Matches are broken into 2 x 30 minute halves with a 5 minute half time.
Youth Player Pathway
Players from Somerville’s previous year’s Junior teams, as well as newcomers to Somerville, are welcome to transition to the Youth Club, provided you are age-eligible (see above).
The Club’s Youth teams are a recognised pathway to the open grade teams. After a number of years in the Youth Club, you may wish to consider transitioning to open grade hockey, and if so we recommend you review the link below to help with your decision making. But you are welcome to stay in Youth hockey, as long as you meet the age criteria described above.
Through the season, youth players may occasionally be asked to fill in for higher graded youth teams, and/or open grade teams. This is a good opportunity for aspiring players to ‘test’ themselves against better youth players and/or more seasoned adults.
Premier Youth
Premier Grade is on a Friday night. In 2023 Somerville fielded 1 boys’ team and 3 girls’ teams in this grade. Game times are typically 7:00pm and 8:10pm. This grade is for experienced hockey players.
Championship Youth
Championship Grade is played on a Sunday morning. In 2023 Somerville fielded 2 boys’ teams and 2 girls’ teams in this grade. Game times are typically 10:00am and 11:30am. This grade is for development hockey players.
Expectations & Commitment
Commitment to a team is important to develop responsibility and respect for others. Parents, please factor in hockey commitments when planning family holidays and breaks throughout Terms 2 and 3, and do not register if you cannot commit to being at nearly every practice.
Somerville Youth players should behave in a way which is appropriate, consistent with the standards expected by the Club, and led by the Coach and Manager. The Club expects that players should:
attend meetings, trainings, games and other activities as required, and be punctual
come mentally and physically prepared to positively participate in trainings and matches, to help develop yourself and your team
notify the manager/coach of any inability to participate as soon as possible prior to the playing or training date
remain committed to the team for the duration of the season
abide by the rules of the sport
play with sportsmanship, with respect for other players, coaches, managers, parents and officials
wear appropriate team uniform (including mouthguards and shinpads), and respect the equipment and facilities at all times