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.
2021 Women’s Round Wrap-Up
What an incredible day! We raised more than $1,300 towards WomenCan Fundraising and their Save the Box campaign.
2011-2020 Legends Induction
For our first home games of 2021 in April we had a very special evening to welcome a new cohort of Altona Hockey Club Legends from the decade from 2011 to 2020.
Hookin2Hockey and Free Come & Try for 2021
Free Come & Try for hockey! On Monday the 1st of March at 5.30pm, the perfect introduction for primary school aged children to the game of hockey. The Altona Hockey Club has an 8-week program of Hookin2Hockey with the first week a free come and try session...
COVID-19 Update from the Altona Hockey Club
COVID-19 Update from the Altona Hockey ClubView the Altona Hockey Club's latest COVID-Safe Plan, updated 13th of June, 2021. Including links to all relevant reference material from the Hobsons Bay City Council, the Victorian Government and Hockey Victoria.Update 20th...
2021 AHC Social Summer Hockey
2021 AHC Social Summer HockeyStarting Wednesday 20th January, 2021 and running for 7 weeks, introducing AHC Social Summer. Mixed social summer hockey for open age players, only $5 per player and just turn up on the night with a blue and white shirt - put your name on...
Greg Drake appointed Women’s USA National Team Assistant Coach
Greg Drake appointed Women's USA National Team Assistant Coach Congratulations to Greg Drake who has been appointed the USA Field Hockey Women's Assistant Coach. Since finishing his distinguished playing career and long stints as both the Men's Premier League and...
Vale Ross Ford
Vale Ross Ford 27th December, 2020Just prior to Christmas we had some very sad news that Ross Ford, much-loved member of the AHC since 1961 has passed away. Our sincere condolences to the entire Ford family. We wanted to take this opportunity to share some memories of...
2020 Locked Down Trivia Night!
2020 Locked Down Trivia Night!We are coming to the end of lockdown in Melbourne (hopefully!), and Locked Down Trivia have been running all through lockdown and coming to the end of their season.The AHC Trivia Night is normally one of our biggest nights of...
2020 Winter Season Cancelled
2020 Winter Season Cancelled Hi to all members, I’m sure many of you have already heard that Hockey Victoria have confirmed that the 2020 winter season has been officially cancelled for all teams. It’s not the news we wanted, and a shame that we cannot get...
AHC Isolation Challenge
AHC Isolation Challenge Sport as we know it is off the cards for a little while, so we want to make sure that you can still practice your skills and have some fun at home. We want everyone to join in, so send a video or else tag us on Instagram @altonahc...
Vale Norm Hunter
Vale Norm Hunter January 2, 2020 It is with sadness that we announce that Norm Hunter passed away late in 2019. Norm was a longstanding member of the club, including as captain of the pictured 1960 B Grade Premiership team including Life Members John Bartlett, Cyril...
Altona celebrates inaugural Pride Cup
Altona celebrates inaugural Pride Cup On Sunday the Altona Hockey Club hosted its inaugural Pride Cup to celebrate inclusivity and acceptance of the LGBTQI community as they faced Southern United in crucial Premier League clashes. The Men and Women played in an...