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.

Celebrating Inaugural AHC Indigenous Round

Celebrating Inaugural AHC Indigenous Round

Jul 21, 2023 | , , , ,

Celebrating Inaugural AHC Indigenous Round July 19, 2023 Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate our Inaugural Indigenous Round this past weekend. Thank you to Mark Brown from the Bunurong Land Council for the powerful Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, Aunty...

Thank-You Burbank

Thank-You Burbank

Apr 6, 2023 |

Thank-You Burbank April 6, 2023There is one major omission from our uniform that has been present for the whole life of the previous uniform - and that is of our Premier Partner Burbank. Their long-term sponsorship is finishing up next month after 12 years, and we...

Introducing…our New Playing Uniform

Introducing…our New Playing Uniform

Mar 16, 2023 | , , ,

Introducing...the New AHC Playing Uniform March 16, 2023 INTRODUCING...The new Altona Hockey Club Playing Uniform.  Here for the 2023 season, a lot of work has gone into this new kit that will be available for the whole club. Apart from a brand new design, the biggest...

Junior Registration 2023

Junior Registration 2023

Mar 14, 2023 |

Coming up on Thursday the 16th of March at the Altona Hockey Club is our Junior Registration Night! For all of our new and returning junior players and parents, aged from the Under 10’s to Under 18’s.

Free Come & Try Hockey for 2023

Free Come & Try Hockey for 2023

Jan 18, 2023 |

Free Come & Try Hockey for 2023 January 18, 2023In 2023, we are holding two Free Come & Try at the Altona Hockey Club on Monday 13th of February and Wednesday 15th of February both from 5.30pm – 6.30pm. Hookin2Hockey gives young boys and girls the opportunity...

Molly Klix selected in Australian Country U21 Squad

Molly Klix selected in Australian Country U21 Squad

Sep 28, 2022 | ,

Molly Klix selected in Australian Country U21 Squad 28th of September, 2022Congratulations to Molly Klix, Altona's Women's Premier League Goalkeeper, who has been selected for the Australian U21 Country team and will compete in Indonesia in January. She was selected...

Pride for all on show at hockey event

Pride for all on show at hockey event

Aug 5, 2022 | ,

Pride for all on show at hockey event 5th of August, 2022 Thank you to everyone who came out on the weekend for the Altona Hockey Club Pride Cup!   It was a great event, with junior inclusion workshops during the week, all of our junior teams wearing the rainbow...