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 celebrates inaugural Pride Cup
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Premier League Coaching in 2019
At the conclusion of the 2018 season, both Greg Drake and Ben Newell stepped down from their respective roles as the Women's and Men's Premier League coaches. Tracey Drake is also stepping down from her role as Assistant. Greg has been in charge of the women for 5...
Danni Schubach selected in historic Victorian Vipers All-Star Team
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Come & Try, Hookin2Hockey and Summer Games
SUMMER STICK2HOCKEY PROGRAM Small games and activities for under 8 and under 10 players Thursday Nights from 6:00 to 7:00pm at the Altona Hockey Club *COME & TRY 18TH OCTOBER, 2018* Dates: 25th of October to 13th of December, 2018 New and existing players...
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The Altona Hockey Club Junior Season Launch evening is next Thursday, the 22nd March. The BBQ will be going, the uniform shop will be open for business and it will be an opportunity to find out about what is happening around the club. See you there!
2018 $5,000 Draw
After a couple of years off we are back with the best reverse raffle in tow - with a total prize pool of $5,000 available to win! Tickets: $100 – allows entry for 2 people including food & free drinks for 3 hours during the draw Date & Time: Starts...
Steve Campbell plays his 200th Premier League game
Steve Campbell plays his 200th Premier League game 4th August 2017 This weekend club legend Steve Campbell is playing his 200th SL1/Premier League game for the Altona Hockey Club. Known for his fearless and uncompromising play on the field, Steve has been a leader...
Revive Physiotherapy & Pilates Sponsorship
We are proud to announce a brand new Silver Sponsor, Revive Physiotherapy and Pilates in Altona North. They are there for all of your physiotherapy needs, including offering a special rate for Altona Hockey Club members! Revive Physiotherapy and Pilates opened...
2017 Juniors Season Launch
Our 2017 Junior Season Launch is coming up on the 23rd of February! The perfect place for all junior parents to get information on the upcoming season. For any questions or information contact [email protected].
Now Recruiting – Premier League Assistant Coach
The Altona Hockey Club is now recruiting for an Assistant Coach for our Men’s Premier League team. This is an exciting opportunity to assist coaching a MPL group that has been pushing finals for the last few years, driven by a great young group of players and core...