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.
Notice of 2013 AGM
ALTONA HOCKEY CLUB INC. A397 Notice of Annual General Meeting NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Members of the Altona Hockey Club Inc. will be held at: The Altona Hockey Clubrooms Wednesday 13th November, 2013 7:30pm Start Sugargum Drive Altona PLEASE...
Zone Challenge teams announced
Congratulations to all Altona players selected for the inaugural Zone Challenge! The inaugural Zone Challenge is a four round competition played from October 18 until November 23. All 10 zones will have representative players in under 12, 14 and 16 teams, playing each...
Two Seagulls Future Stars in the Making
Two young, talented, Altona Premier League players have been chosen in Hockey Australia and Hockey Victoria talent identification programs. Andrew Scanlon and Jessica Brennan have been selected in Futures Squads to try and develop young talent to eventually...
ABC Grandstand – Fair go, Sport!
Last night ABC Grandstand did a special on Fair go, sport! The story starts about the 7 min 40 mark. A great example of our sport leading the way on a very important issue.
2014 Women’s Premier League Coaching Announcement
I am pleased to announce that the Board has appointed Greg Drake as the Women's Premier League coach for season 2014. Greg has an impressive coaching and playing record and is a highly sought after coach due to his knowledge and experience. The club believes Greg is...
2013 Finals match reports
The Blue and Gold army were out in force on a glorious Saturday for the second weekend of Hockey Victoria finals. The Under 12 Pennant (North West) side played brilliantly to win the premiership in front of a big crowd of both Altona and Footscray parents, friends and...
the prez sez…
Join us for another edition of the Prez Sez... featuring our internationals Chris Porter and Neel Marí Garcia!
Seagulls Girls do it for their Hockeyroo
Altona's Womens Premier League side honoured its first home-grown Hockeyroo in a milestone game on Saturday, recording its third victory of the season over Toorak-East Malvern at Grant Reserve. Danielle Schubach playing in her 100th premier league match was dominant...
Premier League Double Header Weekend
To round out the Premier League season our men and women will be playing a double header at home. It will be a huge weekend at the Snakepit with the chance for both teams to sign off in style after many ups and downs throughout the year. Saturday also marks Danielle...
Altona make it count against Powerhouse
The Altona Women's Premier League side came out breathing fire on Sunday night at the Hockey Centre in the game that had been dubbed the battle for relegation. With just one win for the year, the side has struggled this year after losing key players, and needed to...
Altona come out firing against Southern
Altona bounced back after last week's disappointing performance in the Western Derby, with a comfortable 5-1 win over Southern United. Altona had been embarrassed by the team from Moorabbin earlier in the year, so were keen to atone for that debacle, and came out...
Premier League has nightmare at Footscray
Altona Hockey Club had a nightmare Saturday against local rival, Footscray, losing both Premier League matches convincingly. A cold, wet and windy day saw the Men lose 3-0 in a spiteful encounter, while the Women were smashed early, to lose 9-2 to a much more...