It was great to see so many participants involved within the Development Camps during the recent school holidays. The skill level was high quality and there was enjoyment had by all involved!

We now move into the second phase of the Extension Programme which is the Southern Regional Tournament. This programme will be delivered during August and September, with all interested players being placed into teams that will represent Canterbury at the Southern Regional Tournament against other associations from across the South Island (Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast, Mid Canterbury, South Canterbury, Central Otago, Otago, Southland).

Canterbury participants will be exposed to high level coaching throughout the programme, as teams will have weekly trainings focusing on skill and tactical development, which will all conclude with six games across the five-day Southern Regional Event.

We are excited to confirm details below and open registrations for this programme.

Programme Purpose:

Provide an inclusive development opportunity that extends year 9, 10 & 11 (under 15) athletes, and coaches and umpires associated with this age group.

Programme Objectives:

• Incorporate all interested athletes, coaches, and umpires, into a high-quality development focused programme that is distinctly different from club and school hockey experiences
• Provide an enjoyable experience that encourages participants and supporters to connect with others in the wider hockey community.
• Develop targeted technical and tactical principles and concepts that will benefit participants long term development. 
• Ensure athlete welfare and workload is managed effectively.

Who:

Open registration for year 9, 10 & 11 athletes who want to participate in a development programme that aims to extend them beyond their club and school playing experiences. Athletes must meet the below criteria:

• Must be Year 9, 10 or 11 at school and over the age of 13 and under the age of 15 as of 1 January 2023.
• Must play for a club or school team entered in Canterbury Hockey’s winter competitions.
• Must have a minimum of at least 1 year playing experience for a club/school team.
• PLEASE NOTE - No requirement to have completed Module One (Development Camp) to be able to participate in the U15 Southern Regional Tournament.

If you do not fit the above criteria and would like to enquire about registering, please contact Canterbury Hockey.

When:

Southern Regional Tournament – Sunday 24^th – Thursday 28^th September, hosted in Christchurch at Nunweek Park.

Programme Details:

Southern Regional Tournament:

• 5-day South Island event (11-a-side).
• Full event to be played in Christchurch at Nunweek Park.
• It is expected athletes will be placed in teams with players of similar ability and age.
• Teams to be made up of players who are similar age where possible (i.e., Year 9’s grouped together, and Year 10/11’s to be grouped together).
• Teams attending from across the South Island (8 other associations).

Pre-event Training:

• Teams will have one training per week leading up to the festival, first training to be week of 21^st August.
• Trainings will be either a Monday or a Wednesday evening (dependent on coach availability and team placed in). All training sessions will be at Nunweek Park, between 4pm-8pm on one of these days.

Please note, there will not be trials for these programmes/teams. Athletes will be grouped together with others of a similar ability with consideration being given to athletes playing experience and age.

Cost:

U15 Southern Regional Tournament = $150.00 per player. This will cover turf hire, gear, and administration-based costs.

All athletes will also require a Canterbury red paladin training t-shirt. This will be used as the playing top for the tournament. They can be pushed from Just Hockey – click here for a link to their website.

Registration:

All registrations will be completed using Play HQ. Please follow this link and then select the appropriate programme: https://www.playhq.com/hockey-new-zealand/org/canterbury-hockey-association/df572316/register

For any questions please contact: joe@canterburyhockey.org.nz

Athlete registration closes – 11.59pm Sunday 6^th August