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.
Gutsy gulls comeback win
A large crowd at Grant Reserve saw two stirring come-from-behind victories for Altona's men's and women's State League One sides on Saturday. Camberwell men's side have always been strong in the State League competition and are expected to once again factor in the...
WSL1 vs Camberwell (rd 3)
Our top women's side headed into round 3 with two losses, against a Camberwell side that had one win and one draw already on the board. The game started at a frantic pace with Altona keen to atone for their two poor first half showings in the first two rounds, and...
The Prez Sez…
Hi everyone. Here’s a quick summary of my thoughts, observations and updates after 2 rounds. I’m very pleased with the start our junior teams have made this year. I’ve watched games across most age groups and have been very impressed with how the players and coaches...
MSL1 vs Waverley
Round 2 saw the A boys come up against 2011 premiers Waverley at the snake pit. After a narrow victory over new comers Mentone in Round 1, our boys had a point to prove in the first home game of the season. Waverley, coming off a one nil victory over Camberwell last...
WSL1 vs Waverley
The SL1 women came into their first home game of the year with dented confidence after a big loss to Mentone in round 1. The return of Hockeyroo Danielle Schubach added some strength to the line-up, whilst Nic Brown was still missing with U18 state duty. Waverley...
The Prez Sez…
It’s time for all players and supporters to get their blue and gold out of the cupboard. All the pre-season training and fitness is done; it’s time for the real hockey season to start. Isn’t it great that we’re about to start Round 1! I confident 2012 will be a...
WSL1 practice match
The SL1 girls continued their great pre-season form on Saturday against an MCC outfit just promoted from SL2. The girls always had the lead and controlled the game, but will be looking to put away more goals for the amount of chances they created when the season comes...
Community Camp
A 54 person contingent from Altona’s top men’s and women’s teams ventured to sunny Warrnambool on the weekend for our annual community camp. A not so sunny morning greeted us on Saturday with torrential rain flooding the surrounds of our colourful European backpackers...
AHC on the Radio
Check out star SL1 women's players, Stephanie Sarantis and Danielle Schubach being interviewed for the evening sports show on Smash FM here via spreaker. You can also check out Smash FM's youtube channel here.
2011 Pan Am Games
In their first game against Trinidad and Tobago Matthew Guest has hit a hat-trick! His first for Canada. Details here, photos here and Matthews profile here. The games in Guadalajara are Canada's first chance to qualify for London 2012 and a huge achievement for...
Homophobia in Sport
This video is a must view for all members. It is extremely inspiring and thought-provoking. Altona Hockey Club and Hockey Victoria aim to be inclusive for all members and this video is a raw and potentially eye-opening story from former Essendon and Victoria...
Victoria U13 National Champions!
The under 13 Victorian boys side has recently won the national championship in Queensland, going undefeated for the tournament the side won 6 games and drew 1. Congratulations to Heath McDonald who played in the tournament and Steve Campbell who was the assistant...