Player Extension Programmes

Canterbury Performance Centre (CPC)

The Canterbury Performance Centre (CPC) replaces the Senior Development Network Programme, with the aim of the new CPC structure and purpose to be more aligned to the HNZ/Blacksticks programme through the guidance of Aaron Ford, Hockey NZ Performance Coach.

The CPC provides high-quality development opportunities for Canterbury’s current CPL, Division 1 and SSP players. To be eligible for Block One of the programme you must be year 11 or above.

The Centre aligns with Canterbury representative and Hockey NZ pathways. Aaron Ford will be the lead coach, assisted by Canterbury Hockey’s Talent Development Manager, Chris Leslie, and other nominated coaches.

Aim

The primary aim of the CPC is to develop well prepared players that are:

• Technically skilled
• Tactically smart
• Mentally prepared
• Physically capable
• Have life balance

Programme Timing and Delivery

There are two training blocks.

Block One (5 weeks): November to December

Block Two (6 weeks): January to February

Training Environment

For training purposes players will be divided into a senior group (CPL) and a development group (Division 1 and SSP). CHA has discretion to move players if required.

Cost

There is a financial contribution required to join the Centre.

Enquiries

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call Chris Leslie on 027 29333 11 or email him via chris@canterburyhockey.org.nz

Hockey Accelerators Programme

The purpose of this programme is to provide all participants with an opportunity to improve their skills. The programme caters to participants of all abilities, beginner or experienced, from Year 5 to Year 13.

The programme is run pre-season in February and March.

The skills covered will include the likes of ball carrying & elimination, passing & receiving, defending concepts, and goal scoring.

Specialist goalkeeper specific training will also be provided.

Participants will be exposed to a range of fun hockey activities delivered by various quality coaches.

Under 13 Extension - Regional Festival Event

We are excited to introduce the next stage of the U13 Extension Programme — our regional Year 7 and Year 8 hockey festivals. These events are the highlight of the programme, supported by weekly trainings that focus on player growth, team connection, and enjoyment. To ensure every child has a positive and meaningful experience, Canterbury Hockey is continuing to develop and support our coaches so they can deliver relevant and engaging sessions tailored to all levels.

This year brings a few exciting enhancements. The Year 7 festival will be hosted in Timaru for the first time, with South Canterbury aiming to create an even better experience by adding off-field activities that boost the fun and atmosphere. For our Year 8 players, this festival offers a first opportunity to play full 11-a-side hockey in a supportive environment designed to ease that transition.

Whether your child is eager to grow their game or simply enjoys the connection and belonging that comes from being in a team, this programme is designed to cater for both. We welcome all players to take part in what promises to be a memorable and rewarding experience.

🎯 Programme Objectives:

• Deliver a high-quality, inclusive development experience
• Focus on enjoyment and connection beyond club and school teams
• Prepare players technically and tactically for future hockey
• Group players by age and ability to ensure positive, balanced experiences

Year 7 Festival – Saturday 6 September:

📍 Timaru – Aorangi Park

·         7-a-side (single-day event)

o   This is the first time the Year 7 festival will be hosted in Timaru. South Canterbury is aiming to make this a festival-style day, with off-field activations and a vibrant atmosphere for players and supporters.

·         First training: Week of 20 August

·         Training at Nunweek Park (Mon or Wed, 4pm–8pm)

 Year 8 Festival – Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September:

📍 Christchurch – Nunweek Park

·         11-a-side (3-day event)

o   This will be the first opportunity for many Year 8 players to experience full-field hockey. To support this transition, Canterbury Hockey is investing in enhanced coach education to ensure players receive the right technical and tactical support throughout the programme.

·         First training: Week of 1 September

·         Training at Nunweek Park (Mon or Wed, 4pm–8pm)

Who Can Register:

• Year 7 or 8 at school in 2025
• Playing for a club or school team in Canterbury Hockey’s winter competitions
• There is no requirement to have attended the July Development Camp

Players will be placed in teams with others of a similar age and ability. There are no trials – every registered player will be included.

Programme Cost:

• $80 per player
• All players must have a Canterbury red Paladin training t-shirt, which will be used as their playing top (available via Just Hockey – for website CLICK HERE)

Registration:

Registrations are open via PlayHQ: Click here to register

Deadline: 11.59pm, Sunday 10 August

If you have any questions or need help with registration, please contact:
📧 joe@canterburyhockey.org.nz

Canterbury Hockey is excited to confirm details for the 2026 U13 and U16 Development Camps. These camps provide players with a development-focused hockey experience outside of their regular club and school environments. Sessions will include skill development, game-based learning, small-sided activities, and a final-day hockey festival.

Each camp includes two half-day sessions and one full-day festival.

Registration

Registrations for the U13 and U16 Development Camps will be completed separately through PlayHQ.

The cost to attend the Development Camp is $100.00. This includes turf hire, training gear, coach and umpire development/support, and administration costs.

To register: Click Here

Athlete registrations close at midnight on Sunday 21 June 2026.

U16 Development Camp (Y9+)

Players must:

•          Be in Year 9 or above at school in 2026 & be under the age of 16 as of 1 January 2026
•          Play for a club or school team in Canterbury Hockey’s winter competitions

Times/Dates:

•          Monday 13 July, half-day session (Boys 9am-12pm, Girls 1pm-4pm)
•        Tuesday 14 July, half-day session (Girls 9am-12pm, Boys 1pm-4pm)
•          Friday 17 July, full-day festival (9am-4pm)

U13 Development Camp (Y7/8)

Players must:

•         Be in Year 7 or 8 at school in 2026
•          Play for a club or school team in Canterbury Hockey’s winter competitions

Times/Dates:

•          Wednesday 15 July, half-day session (Boys 9am-12pm, Girls 1pm-4pm)
•          Thursday 16 July, half-day session (Girls 9am-12pm, Boys 1pm-4pm)
•          Friday 17 July, full-day festival (9am-4pm)

If you do not meet the above criteria for either age group but would like to enquire about registering, please contact joe@canterburyhockey.org.nz.

The Alpiners U15 Southern Regional Tournament is the second phase of Canterbury Hockey’s Extension Programme, offering Year 9–11 athletes an opportunity to continue their development through structured training and a regional tournament experience.

This initiative is designed to complement school and club hockey by creating a development-focused environment where athletes are grouped by age and ability, supported by experienced coaches.

 Programme Purpose:

• Extend and challenge U15 athletes through a structured, inclusive programme
• Encourage enjoyment, connection, and confidence through hockey
• Develop long-term skills through targeted technical and tactical coaching
• Provide a safe, well-managed environment with appropriate workloads

Key Information:

• Who:
  • Athletes in Year 9, 10, or 11 in 2025
  • Must be aged 13–15 as of 1 January 2025
  • Must be playing for a club or school within Canterbury Hockey’s winter competition
  • Attendance at the July Development Camp is NOT required to participate
• Training Block:
  • One session per week, beginning week of 1 September
  • Monday or Wednesday evenings between 4pm–8pm
  • All trainings at Nunweek Park (unless communicated)
• Tournament Week:
  • Monday 29 September – Friday 3 October
  • Held in Christchurch at Nunweek Park, with additional games at Marist Park or Nga Puna Wai
  • Athletes will play six 11-a-side matches across five days
  • Teams will be formed based on age and playing experience – no trials required

Programme Cost:

• $155 per player, covering coaching, turf hire, equipment, and admin
• Athletes will need to purchase a Canterbury red Paladin training t-shirt, which will be used as their playing top (available via Just Hockey – for website CLICK HERE)

Registration:

Registrations are open via PlayHQ: Click here to register

Deadline: 11.59pm, Sunday 10 August

If you have any questions or need help with registration, please contact:
📧 joe@canterburyhockey.org.nz