The Altona Hockey Club Junior Development Program
Developing Junior Hockey Players in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne.
In 2024 the Altona Hockey Club has invested heavily in the junior development program to help all juniors develop as players and as people.
The program runs each Monday and is for juniors of all skill levels from 8 to 18 years old. The format of the sessions revolves around multiple small activities to learn the skills of hockey from basic through to advanced.
More details on the program below, no need to book – you can just turn up any Monday night, and speak to Junior Development Coordinator Naish McDonald who has been appointed to run the program in 2024.
Our high level, paid coaches ensure there is always a good ratio of coaches to children, enjoyment and skill development.
About the Program
All coaches have higher level hockey experience – Andrew, Jess, Heath, Naish and Jacob all representing either Victoria or Australia at either Indoor, Outdoor or Hockey 5’s, and Beth is an overseas player from the UK, playing a high level for multiple sides in the UK and the England Universities team.
The program itself is designed by our Premier League Coaches, Greg Drake and Danielle Schubach. Both have had success at all levels of hockey, starting as Altona juniors all the way through to International hockey and have designed the program for the maximum enjoyment of all kids, meaning lots of time with the hockey ball, no waiting around in queues and no long coach talks.
After his playing career, Greg has spent many years coaching Altona Premier League, before progressing to both State and then International level with stints as assistant coach of the Japanese and Canadian National teams, and Head Coach of the USA Women’s Hockey Team.
Danielle was named the Victorian Viper of the decade prior to the branding of the team being moved to HC Melbourne, and represented the Hockeyroos on multiple tours. She is now considered one of the best upcoming coaches in Victoria.
This club based junior development model that puts Altona Hockey Club at the forefront of junior coaching in Victoria.
The junior development model provides:
- Coordinated and structured skill development over multiple seasons at designated skill development training sessions for all junior players
- A higher ratio of coaches to players (typically 1:6) at each skill development training session
- Access to specialist coaches (including goal keeper coaches) for the teaching of skills
- Greater flexibility in training to mix and match skill levels, ages and genders to meet development needs of individuals
- Identification of talented players for additional ‘AHC fast track’ training
- Specific preparation for those trialing for representative teams
- Support for junior team coaches
- Better transition between juniors and seniors
- Coordinated management of training loads.
For junior players at the AHC, the implementation of this model means:
- Increased learning opportunities resulting in more efficient development
- Consistent access to advice from current senior players and highly credentialed coaches
- Fast paced, coordinated and fun training sessions
- Greater potential for inclusion in Hockey Victoria’s representative teams and the AHC’s Premier League men’s and women’s teams.
Find all of the latest AHC news
Read on below for all of the news from the Altona Hockey Club.
Altona beat Southern but lose skipper
After returning to the winner's list last week, Altona Hockey Club made it two in a row, with a 3-1 victory over Southern United at Moorabbin on Saturday. Altona went in as favourites, with Southern United in tenth position with just two wins this season, but have...
Altona Overcome Hawthorn at Home
After a winless six match streak, Altona's Mens Premier League side returned to the winners list, with a hard fought victory over Hawthorn at home on Sunday. Hawthorn started the match well, and dominated possession early. Altona's defence managed to keep them out...
Altona shocks Doncaster at the Snakepit
After a surprise draw to last years wooden-spooners Powerhouse/St.Kilda the previous round, Altona's Premier League girls used a 9-day break to reset for what would be a tough match against a young and skilful Doncaster outfit. The A girls started strongly being lead...
Facilities Development Fund
The Altona Hockey Club is embarking on an ambitious facility development program over the next 3 years that will involve an upgrade of our change rooms facilities. To assist with this initiative the club has registered a project with the Australian Sports Foundation...
Women held to draw against Powerhouse
After a big loss to Waverley over the weekend, Altona's Premier League girls were searching for redemption on Wednesday night against an improved Powerhouse outfit at the SNHC. Altona got off to a cracking...
Powerhouse overcomes fast finishing Altona
Altona will be glad to see the back of Powerhouse for the remainder of the season, after the team from St. Kilda beat the boys in blue and gold for the second time in seven days. Altona started the brighter...
Mixed Results Against Waverley
After a stellar start to the season, where the side won the first seven matches, Altona's Mens Premier League side has had a less successful couple of matches. The fixture has seen Altona with two midweek matches in this fortnight, meaning they play four matches over...
Premier League in Ballarat – WIN News Report
Check out the news report from WIN following our game in Ballarat!
Premier League Take on the Bombers
Altona Hockey Club's Mens Premier League side continued their stellar star to the season with a sixth straight win over Essendon on Saturday. The A's had a strong start, dominating possession early, probing several times into the Essendon defence, testing their...
Altona take down ‘Burra in Ballarat
Altona Hockey Club's Mens Premier League Side remains undefeated, recording their fifth straight win, against another undefeated team, Greensborough, at Ballarat on Saturday. In veteran defender, Mathew Higgins' 300th Premier League match, Altona and Greensborough...
Premier League in Ballarat & Mat Higgins’ 300th Game
This weekend is a huge one for the AHC! Our Premier League teams are taking top-level hockey to Ballarat, playing their home games against Greensborough at the Ballarat Hockey Centre. The AHC has a proud tradition of country players, as well as playing home games in...
Mixed Results at Mentone
Altona's Premier League Men side travelled to Mentone, the biggest road trip in the competition, chock full of confidence after a brilliant start to the season. Heading to the "Sand Pit" with three wins under their belt, the Seagulls were raging hot favourites against...