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 extend unbeaten streak to five games
Earlier, Altona's Womens State League One side recorded their second win in a row, holding out MCC 2-1 amid the deluge. Experienced striker, the "flyer", Step Sarantis got Altona off to an early lead, slamming home a rebound from the MCC keeper, off a penalty corner....
Seagulls win tough match in wintery conditions
Altona's State League One Men returned to the winners list on Saturday in a see-sawing contest in horrible conditions at Grant Reserve. The A's held off a second half come back from MCC amid a deluge of rain, to record a 3-2 victory in front of a cold, wet, but happy...
Girls celebrate Purser’s 50 in style
A big crowd at Essendon for the highlight fixture of the round. The A’s were celebrating Tegan “Midge” Purser’s 50th SL1 game, and introduced 2 debutantes in Kelsey Fox and Tilka Hassing. Against a physically strong and experienced Essendon side, our ability to...
Seagulls Lose Epic Thriller
Altona’s fourth placed State League One side went down in a thrilling match to second placed Greensborough in the inaugural Michael McLean Cup on Saturday. Named in honour of the Greensborough stalwart, who was a friend to many at Altona, the sides put on a fantastic,...
The Prez Sez…
As President of the Altona Hockey Club, I'm regularly humbled by the generosity of our members and last weekend it happened again. Over the last couple of weeks we asked members to donate items which could be used to make up hampers for a raffle. The end products...
Local rivals can’t be split in tight tussle
Footscray's First XI women travelled to Altona to take on the A's in their first ever clash in Victoria's premier State League One competition. After being on the receiving end of a thrashing from Footscray during the pre-season, Altona was ready for a tough contest. ...
Altona Cruise to Win in Derby
With the young Footscray side sitting winless on the bottom of the ladder, Altona entered the Western Derby as favourites. Despite this, Altona knew that their local rivals would be quick, skilful and keen to record a victory against the longest serving State League...
This weekend – SL1 v Burra
Stevie Cambpell’s 100th SL1 Game
Stevie Cambpell's 100th SL1 Game 10th May 2012This weekend marks co-captain Steve Campbell's 100th SL1game for Altona.Find All of the Latest AHC News... Read on below for all of the news from the Altona Hockey Club.
The Prez Sez…
In response to the feedback of my readers, a very brief Prez Sez this week… Representative team trials. Quite a few of our players are attending trials at the moment for representative teams (school, regional and state). I wish you all the best of luck. I’m sure...
SL1 men let win slip
A week after securing a last-minute win, Altona’s State League One side were on the wrong side of the equation on Saturday, conceding a goal in the last minute against Toorak-East Malvern (TEM) to see a victory evaporate into a draw. The match started at a frenetic...
