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.
Western derby ends with two close games
The local clash between Footscray and Altona, dubbed the "West End Riot", came to Grant Reserve on Saturday. Both clashes had a clear favourite, but both underdogs pushed the favourite to the limit. The Womens clash was first, with Footscray towards the top end of the...
Premier League Match Reports
Altona's Mens Premier League side travelled to Doncaster to try and win back the Ric Purser Trophy on Saturday. Buoyed by a narrow loss to reigning premiers, Greensborough, last weekend, the Seagulls entered the match with confidence, despite having a number of...
2013 Premier League Round 1
This week marks round 1 for all of our senior players, for some it has been a tough pre-season, for some an enjoyable summer break, but for everyone - we can't wait to get back into hockey season! The newly re-structured and re-named Hockey Victoria Premier League...
2013 Women’s Pre-Season Wrap-up
The A’s girls have been working very hard throughout the preseason in trying conditions. Attendance levels have been strong at all sessions, which have seen the squad take part in a range of fitness activities including; rock climbing, boxing and personal training...
2013 Men’s Pre-Season Wrap-up
Pre-season kicked off in the traditional fashion for the AHC men this year . . . . early! Farewell's were said to 2012 co-coach Greg Drake who opted to take some time away from the top job, leaving the reins in the capable hands of seasoned campaigner Ben Guy....
Umpire Development Policy
In 2012, the Umpire Development Policy was introduced for all of Hockey Victoria’s competitions. The aim of this policy was to increase the number and quality of Umpires officiating games across the season. In excess of 400 Umpires were registered by Clubs under the...
The Prez Sez…
View the latest edition of the Prez Sez here, featuring Canadian International and Premier League player Matt Guest. To follow Matt, please join his Chimp page - Matthew Guest - Road to Rio 2016 or follow on Facebook - Matthew Guest - Road to Rio Olympics 2016....
Premier League Pre-Season Update
Our Premier League men and women are continuing their pre-season today with practice games against Camberwell and Essendon, a couple of weeks ago they both had pre-season camps looking to aiming to bring each squad together and set in place standards for the season...
Matt Guest – Road to Rio 2016
To all the members of the Altona Hockey Club, 2013 is going to be a huge year for the A boys! Pre-season has been going well with the perfect mixture of youth and experience bringing a new level of play to our squad. I have loved pulling on the blue and gold since my...
U14 State Indoor Club Championship
By Steve McDonald. In 2013 hockey Victoria introduced a JSC club based state championship. Altona entered a team in both the girls and the boys. The boys competition was played over the first weekend in feb and the...
Chef’s Toolbox at the AHC
Be sure to book your tickets for the Interactive Cooking Master Class Fundraiser where you will learn some delicious recipes using quality products and go into the draw to win an awesome prize. Tickets are $15 per person with all ticket proceeds going to the club....
$1500 Donation to Junior Development
We would like to thank our Men's Premier League Squad for their extremely generous donation of $1500 towards junior development at the AHC.