A player identified as having talent should show potential in each category. The player will always be at the centre of the process, and we recognise the players develop at different rates, ensuring talent identification to be an ongoing process.

U6: Hockey Heroes

U8 – U10s: An Introduction to Hockey

Engage through fun weekly sessions where players learn basic hockey skills and how to play safe hockey. Players participate in local tournaments and the In2Hockey cup competition.

U12 – U16s: Foundation of Talent

OHC will assess players moving into the Foundation phase and identify potential talent using 6 categories and The Talent Hexagon. These players will have been identified by 2-3 different Coaches, Captains and Team Managers as demonstrating potential talent and will have scored highly on the hexagon. They are expected to reach at least Oxfordshire AC level.

Players will be continually assessed, and the Talent Register will be update regularly with players added and some players removed for a variety of reasons. Players will receive an invitation to join The Talent Register from the Junior Coaches, Director of Junior Hockey or Director of Performance Hockey.

Progression to Senior Hockey: Stage 1

Specific coaching sessions will look at individual and team play, preparing Junior players for Senior Section hockey. Additional advice will be provided on strength and conditioning, fitness, nutrition and mental health. An introduction to 11-a-side hockey is also available Development Team hockey.

Progression to Senior Hockey: Stage 2

Once players reach 13, they are old enough to be considered for Senior Section hockey, and this is something we encourage for all those on The Talent Register. Players are invited to train with the Senior Section teams and will be supported as they start playing in league games. We recognise this is a big step for many Junior players. If a player is due to start playing Senior Section hockey in the following season, we will invite them to play Summer Hockey with many of the adults playing in Senior Section teams. There will also be a chance to learn about communication on selection, where to meet, how to travel, what to do after games etc. It is something we would like all players to enjoy.

As we are a competitive club, we have a selection policy that includes ability and the level of availability. We recognise there are many competing demands on a young person’s time, and we will communicate with players, coaches, parents and schools about individual availability throughout the season. Working with schools we want to ensure player have time for some school matches, holidays to be taken, homework to be done etc. For players who commit on an ad hoc basis, there will be opportunities to play hockey on Saturday afternoons.

Senior Hockey: Progression through the teams – Stage 3

Once a player has established themselves in the Senior Section of the club, we hope there will be continued progression. This will include moving up through the teams. The decision to move a player up will be a joint one, based on feedback from the Captain, Junior Coaches, Senior Coaches, who will all be involved in the decision. Where possible, we aim to promote more than one player at a time, so players always know someone. We have many experienced players in the Senior Section who are able to help support newly promoted players. It is hoped that players on The Talent Register may progress through the teams reasonably quickly.

Senior Hockey: Progression to Performance Training – Stage 4

It is unlikely that a player will be ready for performance training until they are 14 or 15 years old e.g. 15 years old is the youngest age a player is allowed to play National League hockey. The transition into higher teams (3rd, 2nd, 1st teams) is a decision involving the Player, Parents and Coaching Staff. The change to performance training will come through an official offer from the Coach, Director of Junior Hockey or Director of Performance Hockey. The commitment required to play in performance teams is far greater, travelling distances can be further and games are obviously more competitive. The decision to play at this level often comes at a point in a player’s life where they have multiple demands on their time, particularly exams. We really want to encourage open communication. No player can do everything, so it’s about making sensible choices that work for them and communicating well.

Additional information:

OHC encourages Talent to attend Oxfordshire DC and Oxfordshire AC trials (U12 can apply 1 year early to the U13 age group at their Coach's discretion).

OHC encourages Talent to apply to the nearest England Hockey Talent Academy.

OHC aims to provide training and games to prepare Talent for transition to the Senior Section.

OHC aims to provide Mentors for players on The Talent Register.

In line with England Hockey policy, players will not normally be moved up age groups
although younger players may play in higher teams if the competition rules allow. In exceptional circumstances, a coaching panel including Junior Coaches, Director of Junior Hockey, Director of Performance Hockey must agree to a proposed age group move.

Junior Selection policy:

OHC will enter sufficient competitions to ensure that all players can be selected for matches.

7-a-side teams are normally selected in groups in accordance with the club/school competition rules.

11-a-side teams are selected by age, the Coach and Assistant Coach make selections based on ability.

Where ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams are selected, players who are moved between team must be notified and given areas to work on to regain their place.

Preference for selection may be given to those with better attendance at training.

September 2024