Old Loughtonians Mini Hockey covers boys and girls aged 5 to 12 (school years 1 to 7) and children can join at any age or stage during that period. Whilst some players may have been playing for a while we are pleased to welcome players at all of these ages with no hockey playing experience.

Mouthguards and shin pads must be worn by players. Suitable clothing and trainers should be worn. We have a number of sticks to lend if players do not have their own.

Sessions start at 9:15am to 10:15am for the U8s & U7s (but warm-up and registration at 9am) and 9.30 to 10.55 for U10s and U12s on a Sunday from September through to May. Please register at pitch entrance on arrival. In addition the Club runs optional midweek evening training sessions for U12 & U10 Boys and Girls from 18:30 to 19:45.

Our first session for the 24/25 season will be on Sunday 8th September. Please see the Contacts section of the website for a list of all the Minis Coaches and Managers for the coming season.

In order to join simply turn up before registration and speak to our Team on the Front Desk and they will direct you to the Coach that covers the appropriate age group and run through the collection of details and expectations with you. It is not absolutely necessary to become a member during your first few weeks as we recognise that sometimes children will change their mind but after that we would expect them to become members.

We look forward to welcoming you into our Club!

Team Selection for Matches at U8/U10/U12

Primarily the purpose of matches is to get as many children within an age group, or that are capable of playing safely within an age group, playing hockey.

All Minis within these age groups will have a chance to play in matches. Whether you have just picked up a stick for the first time or are aspiring to make the national finals you are more than welcome.

Selection will be based on the following criteria in the order listed:-

Players are fully paid up members.
Behaviour at training is acceptable.
Players or parents have advised of availability when requested on Pitchero app.
Attendance at training is regular (if there are issues with ability to train parents need to notify coaches so they are aware of the reason)
When the coaches meet they will allocate children to teams predominantly by age group.

However, they will remain mindful of trying to play all Minis at the correct level so not to dent confidence or limit players' own progress.

Where it is possible decisions will take into account parents' circumstances and try to accommodate these. For example if siblings are playing for another age or gender group efforts will be made to try and keep them at the same venue in order that both siblings get to play.

If teams within an age group are short of players coaches will select players from the age group below who they consider capable of playing at that level. It is also possible to mix genders. No Year 1s or 2s will be included in U10s matches, as advised by England Hockey.

Players/parents will then be notified of the teams they are selected for with at least 1 week's notice.

Training in age groups

Minis will be asked to train within their age group:

Seedling U7s
School Years 1-2
Green Pitch Near End

U8s
School Year 3
Green Pitch Far End

U10s
School Years 4-5
Boys Pitch 1 (road end)
Girls Pitch 1 (other end)

U12s
School Years 6-7
Boys Pitch 2 (road end)
Girls Pitch 2 (other end)

There may be exceptional circumstances where a Y3 child may be invited to train up with the U10s. This will be at the Coaches' discretion and they will let Parents know if this is the case. There is no need for Parents to approach Coaches about this; if children are ready to move up they will be notified.

Please don’t approach Coaches during training sessions about moving up groups or match information as they need to concentrate on delivering the session. If you need to speak to any coach, please give them time to finish the session and then speak to them. This is very important for Health and Safety reasons as well as delivering good hockey.

Mini Coaches/Managers

On a regular Sunday there will be between 12 – 15 Adult coaches/helpers and 6-8 U14/U16 Junior helpers. They give regular commitment which helps all children access enjoyable sessions.