Colts (U6 – U12)

This section covers Under 6s, Under 8s, Under 10s and Under 12s and includes:

  • How we communicate with players and parents
  • Important information about coaching, matches & tournaments

Please help us – your assistance and co-operation is critical.

News!
Aims and Objectives
Membership Matters
Club Kit
Equipment
Coaching
Matches & Tournaments
Team Selection
Contacts

News

Welcome to season 2009/10.  Training for the U6-U12 section will commence on Sunday 6th September 2009.  Please note the new training time for this section is 09:00 – 10:30 with registration at 08:45.  We are going to run some “taster” sessions this year for colts (U6-U12) that have never played hockey before but would like to give it a go.  These will be in the cage (Training D at the end of the pitch) at Sonning Lane 10:45 – 12:00 on Sundays in September.  Any child who may be interested in trying hockey is welcome to come and attend these sessions.

Aims and Objectives

  • Help children to discover an exciting team sport
  • And develop a lifelong love of sport
  • Develop core individual and tem skills
  • Teach players how to train
  • Prepare players for the next stage of 11-a-side competitive hockey
  • Above all – have fun

Membership Matters

  • All players must complete membership form [Membership Form All U14 age groups 2009-2010]
  • Subscriptions:
    • U6 £45
    • U8-U12 £115, or £85 without fitness and agility sessions
    • Reduced rates for joiners later in the season
  • Subscriptions due by end of October (or when joining if later)
  • Everyone welcome, just turn up on Sunday mornings (September to March)
  • New members are “buddied” with an existing member
  • New players may attend two “taster” coaching sessions before joining

Club Kit

Reading Colts Under 8, Under 10 and U12 teams play matches in our navy “Next Generation” colts sweatshirts. These are available from Clubgear, the Reading club shop, together with (optional) club shirts, shorts, socks and fleeces.

Clubgear supplies the club’s adult and colts’ kit, as well as sticks, leisure wear and other accessories. You will find the shop through the entrance hall in the clubhouse. It is usually open on Saturdays (10am – 4pm) and most Sundays (9.30 – 12.30). In good weather the shop may be set up pitchside.

Equipment

Hockey sticks

One of the biggest problems we have is young players with a stick which is too big for them. It is one of those things that you just can’t buy a size too big and wait to grow into. Please buy your stick at the club shop or other reputable sports shop which will make sure you have the right size. Don’t let mum and dad buy one without taking you to be measured up.

Shin pads

These are essential. You will not be allowed to train or play without them.

Mouthguards

A properly fitted mouthguard (gum shield) is highly recommended. They require much less time and money than dental reconstruction.

Coaching

Method

  • Key objective is to instil correct techniques and teamwork
  • Each session consists of a warm up, coaching of individual and team skills, followed by a game to put the learning into practice
  • 3 to 1 training to match ratio
  • Players graded by age and ability into green (novice), blue (intermediate) and red (advanced) training groups
  • Each player plays at least one tournament per month (five per season)
  • Players encouraged to practice at home – a tennis ball is fine!

Coaches

  • Coaching is led by club members and parents
  • Many coaches are EH qualified
  • All parents encouraged to help – no playing experience required
  • Assistance is provided to those wanting coaching qualifications

Coaching sessions – each Sunday at RHC

  • 8.45 am Registration and individual warm up
  • 9.00 am Coaching
  • 10.30 am Coaching ends – coaches hand over players to parents

Matches and Tournaments

Our Approach

  • All players play in 7-a-side mini-hockey matches or tournaments once a month
  • Emphasis is on fun, safety and trying out skills
  • There no winners or recording of results (except at Berkshire & Havant tournaments)
  • Rules of Mini Hockey apply – rules are sympathetically applied
  • Teams are generally mixed, except the Berkshire tournament

Who we play against

  • U8, U10 and U12 teams play in the Thames Valley Minis tournaments against local clubs
  • Red group teams play in the Havant U8, U10 & U12 mixed tournaments

Berkshire County Tournament

  • Teams are entered into U11 & U13 boys and girls tournaments
  • Winners represent Berkshire in the regional tournament.
  • Squads are organised several weeks in advance.
  • Players can’t play for both their school and RHC. Notice requested by end January from those playing for their schools to assist organisation and squad preparation etc.

Selection and Organisation

  • Squads are selected 1-4 weeks in advance and posted on the website
  • Parents/players must e-mail Head Coach in advance if they are NOT AVAILABLE
  • Contact the team manager direct (not Head Coach) with any problems or questions in week before match or tournament (i.e. from previous Sunday on)
  • Players should arrive ready to play at least 15 minutes before the start

Travel and Directions

  • Parents are encouraged to come
  • Travel is direct, not via RHC
  • Advise the match manager if children are being taken or collected by someone other than a parent
  • Directions will be provided by links to other clubs’ websites

What to Bring

  • Mouth guard and shin pads (strongly recommended)
  • “Next Generation” navy blue club sweatshirt to play in
  • Other club kit is optional but most U12 players prefer blue club playing shirt instead of navy sweatshirt in warm weather
  • Warm and waterproof clothing for between matches
  • Plenty to drink
  • Snacks