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.
Junior Victorian Indoor Representatives
Congratulations to these indoor stars that played indoor with Altona Hockey Club over the summer and have gone on to be selected in Victorian Indoor teams. Under 15 Girls Venue Launcestion Tas Sarah Haslam Under 15 Boys Venue Launcestion Tas Heath McDonald Jonathan...
Women’s Pre-Season Training
The following information is for all players with ambitions to play in our top two teams (Women's Premier League and Premier League reserves) in 2013, from coach Marc Richardson; Please click here for the 2013 Training Plan. 1. The week 12 countdown to training...
Mens Pre-Season Training 2013
The following information is for all players with ambitions to play in our top two teams (Premier League and Premier League reserves) in 2013; Click here for the pre-season plan for 2013. Click here for conditioning block 2. As most of you are aware, the competition...
2012 Senior Presentation Night
Thank-you to all involved for making last nights presentation night an extremely memorable night for the AHC. Particular thanks goes to all of the social committee for organising the event, lead by Kate Holland and Ian Bartlett, Brian Fanning for doing a fantastic job...
Charity calls hockey duo
By ALESHA CAPONE From the Star Newspaper 12th September 2012 11:12:15 AM Aaron Anstis and Josh Coote from the Altona Hockey Club will both take part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer. ALTONA Hockey Club members have thrown their support behind two players taking part in...
Senior Award Winners 2012
Following our annual vote count last Friday night, the 2012 senior award winners are; MEN WOMEN State League 1 Votes State League 1 Votes Best & Fairest Steve Campbell 37 Best & Fairest Bronte Kerley 32 Runner Up Tyson Priddle 17 Best & Fairest...
2012 Grand Final Reports
There were tears of sorrow, there were tears of joy but at the end of the day we are all extremely proud of everyone who made it to finals in 2012, read on for a run down of how the weekend played out….. Women's Metro 2 North West – Runners Up. As you all know by now...
2012 HV Awards Dinner
A few representatives from our SL1 men and women's sides attending the Hockey Victoria Awards Dinner on Wednesday night. Congratulations to Chris Coleman from our SL1 mens side who was the second top goalscorer in the competition and placed fifth place in the Fin...
Presentation Night
Join us for the AHC's night of nights!
Vote Count
See how you polled throughout the year in a relaxing environment with club mates.
Season Finale Function
HEROES OF HOCKEY: Volunteer Recognition Program
From Hockey Victoria; Hockey Victoria was recently successful in sourcing $12,500 funding under the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Innovation Program.Hockey Victoria’s initiative, Heroes of Hockey, aims to recognise and reward Club volunteers for their...