The Regional Festival will be delivered during August and September, incorporating weekly training sessions focusing on skill and tactical development, and will conclude with a Regional Festival event which will include games against teams from Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury. Participants will be exposed to high level coaching throughout the programme, and we are hopeful that the Regional Festival will be a fun and memorable event for all.

The age group festivals will be two separate events with the Year 7 festival a 7-a-side event and the Year 8 an 11-a-side event, played on different dates (see below for details).

Players placed in teams made up of other players within their year group of similar ability.

Programme Purpose

Provide an inclusive development opportunity that extends Year 7 & 8 (under 13) 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 7&8 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:

• Year 7 training start date: From Wednesday 28th August – concludes with Regional Festival 14th - 15th September 2024.
• Year 8 training start date: From Tuesday 3rd September  – concludes with Regional Festival 27th - 29th September 2024.
• Must be Year 7 & 8 at school.
• Must play for a club or school team entered in Canterbury Hockey’s winter competitions.
• PLEASE NOTE - No requirement to have completed Module One (Development Camp) to be able to participate in the U13 Regional Festival.

If you do not fit the above criteria and would like to enquire about registering, please contact Canterbury Hockey: joe@canterburyhockey.org.nz 

Programme Details

Year 7 Festival

• 2-day Regional Festival event (7-a-side) 14th - 15th September 2024.
• One day to be played in Ashburton, and one day to be played in Christchurch at Nunweek Park.
• It is expected athletes will be placed in teams with players of similar ability.
• Mid Canterbury & South Canterbury teams attending games in Ashburton ONLY.
• Teams will have one training per week leading up to the festival.

Year 8 Festival

• 3-day Regional Festival event (11-a-side) 27th -29th September 2024. 
• Full event to be played in Christchurch at Nunweek Park.
• It is expected athletes will be placed in teams with players of similar ability.
• Marlborough, Mid Canterbury & South Canterbury teams attending on Saturday & Sunday.
• Teams will have one training per week leading up to the festival.

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

Trainings will be either a Tuesday 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.

All athletes will also require a Canterbury red paladin training t-shirt. This will be used as the playing top for the festival. They can be purchased from Just Hockey.

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