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.

Sunday sessions run from 9:15am to 10:15am for the U8s & U7s (but warm-up and registration at 9am) and 9.15 to 10.30 for U10s. U12s follow on from 10:30 to 12 noon. Our season starts in mid September and runs through to start of May. Please register at pitch entrance on arrival. In addition the Club runs optional midweek evening training sessions for U12s and the older U10 Girls and Boys from 18:30 to 19:40 (Wednesdays and Thursdays respectively).

Please see the Contact section of the website for a list of all the Minis Coaches and Managers for the coming season.

If your child is interested in trying our sessions, please contact the Minis Coordinator, Jane Blake on minis@oldloughtonians.co.uk.

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 tournaments/

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 as 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 Blue Pitch 2
Girls Blue Pitch 1

U12s
School Years 6-7
Boys Blue Pitch 2
Girls Blue Pitch 1

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.

Mini Coaches/Managers

On a regular Sunday there will be between 14 – 18 Adult coaches/helpers and 4-8 U14/U16 Junior helpers. They give regular commitment which helps all children access enjoyable sessions.

Key Dates up Until Christmas 2025
Please see the attached document

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Minis Key Pre Xmas Dates 2025

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