**NO YOUTH TRAINING ON 31ST OCTOBER OR 2ND NOVEMBER**

- Everyone welcome, 5-12 year olds, boys and girls
- Invite a friend along for a free taster
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We’re a family friendly club which offers a safe and fun environment for children and adults to learn how to play and enjoy hockey. We have the ClubsFirst accreditation, awarded by England Hockey to clubs who adhere to recommended standards.

Please contact Simon on youth@oldsouthendianhc.com with any questions, or if your child would like to come along for a free taster - everyone welcome!

What Youth hockey do you offer?
We offer weekly training, fun tournaments and friendly matches:

Training

Saturdays
- u13s and below: boys and girls in school years 1-8 (split into age groups)
- Minimum 5 years old
- 8.45am-10.15am

Tuesdays
- Girls aged 12+ may join Ladies training
- 6pm-7.30pm

Thursdays
- Boys and girls in schools years 6, 7, 8 & 9
- 6pm-7pm

Thursdays
- Boys aged 12+ may join Men's training
- 7pm-8.30pm

We’re very lucky to have Great Britain Olympian Jonty Clarke leading our coaching, bringing his experience and skills to inspire the next generation of hockey player.

And with the likes of Halloween-theme training, end of seasons parties and awards, the emphasis is on fun!

Tournaments
- We play a number of friendly tournaments through the season with other clubs in the South Essex area, culminating in a brilliant Finals Day
- Teams are organised into u8s (up to school year 3) u10s (up to school year 5) and u12s (up to school year 7) boys and girls teams
- With plenty of friends and family attending, these are brilliant days out!
- We don’t select players on ability for tournaments - if they’re available, then they will get to play

Matches
- We run a schedule of matches for u14/u15s girls and u14/u15 boys (up to school year 10)
- Fixtures are added to the Teams section of the website

Can we have a taster?
- We want your child to try hockey and see whether they like it before you make any commitment, so the first session for new players is free
- Sticks are provided
- Please contact Simon on youth@oldsouthendianhc.com to find out more

Where we're based
All of our training sessions and home fixtures are played at our brilliant Warners Bridge Park ground (Sumpters Way, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 5RE).

​What equipment does my child need?
> We insist that children wear shin pads as the ball is hard(!), and we recommend the wearing of a gum shield for the same reason
> Water should also be brought to every training session
> Children may borrow a stick; if they wish to buy their own, our coaches can help to make recommendations
> Clothes suitable for running around should be worn, plus trainers suitable for an astro turf pitch; children may purchase hockey-specific trainers if they choose

​Safeguarding
In addition to our Safeguarding Officer we have a team of coaches and crew onsite for ever session to ensure the safety of our youth members. Reach more on the Welfare & Safeguarding section of the website.

​Spectating and Refreshments
Supporters are welcome to stay and watch from pitchside or in the comfort of our brilliant clubhouse. We sell light refreshments, including teas, coffees and Sarah's famous bacon rolls. Perfect for warming up on a chilly February morning!

Membership fees & registration
Hopefully once your child has had a taster they’ll be keen to come back every week!
You'll need to:
1. Download the Picthero app
2. Register as an adult
3. Register a child connected to your adult account
4. Select the relevant subscription (based on their age)

The membership fee covers all coaching sessions and tournaments for the whole season.

Fees can be paid in two instalments if needed; at the start of the season and in January. For players joining part the way through the season, subs are worked out on a pro rata basis. There is provision for flexibility around the payment of fees if needed.
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Youth helpers
We have a number of our younger club members involved in coaching, umpiring and organising. They are all supervised by our qualified coaches in line with EH standards. Please get in touch if you would like to help.

Contact us
Email Simon on youth@oldsouthendianhc.com with any questions.