How to get started

HOW IT ALL STARTS

At our clubhouse and grounds at Shotford Heath, Weybread – just outside Harleston, IP21 5UF - you will find Ella Picton our Junior Lead Coach and a dedicated team of age group coaches and assistants delivering a weekly programme of junior hockey coaching for those in School Years 1 to 9 from September to March.

Weekly training then leads to the opportunity to play in local mini hockey festivals across Norfolk on Sundays at U10 and U12 age group levels. Once your child has outgrown these age groups they progress into Magpies boys and girls Development teams (11-a-side hockey) who have a full fixture list of matches every Saturday.

Our juniors are then integrated into our 14 senior teams as soon as their skills and age permits, with senior Club members supporting their ongoing development.

U14, U16 and U18 age group squads are also entered into England Hockeys National Cup competitions, outdoor and indoor - the number of matches played dependant on the success in this knock out format. 

As our juniors grow, hockey is not just about training and playing. Becoming a Magpie and part of the hockey community gives individuals so much more. We strongly believe that personal development around the field of play for our junior members will further help develop a life long interest in an active lifestyles, being part of a community and enjoying volunteering - skills that will support and develop their futures wherever this may take them.

Junior Magpies can experience this through:

• Young Leadership Courses - focusing on delivering coaching, running tournaments and team management.
• Volunteering as part of a Duke of Edinburgh award.
• Guest speakers offering guidance and advice on Sports Injury & Prevention and Nutrition. 
• Opportunities to learn how to umpire junior hockey and furthering this skill within East Young Umpires.
• Shadowing and supporting Magpies wider Club management team.