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.

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