Saints Academy

Opportunities:

The Saints Academy offers opportunities for boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 18 to train and play hockey, regardless of previous experience or knowledge.

We are sport partners with local schools, including Kimbolton School and Longsands Academy, and our players have achieved success at both county and regional levels.

To enroll your child in the Academy or for more information, please contact our lead Academy Coach Tim Sutton.

Training & Games:

The season runs from September to June, with breaks for school holidays and usually running during half term.

Academy training takes place on Sunday mornings in two sessions:

Age 5-12 (10:00am - 11:30am): Players are grouped by age and skill level, learning basic skills and participating in team activities.

Ages 13 to 18 (11:30am - 1:00pm): This session builds on basic training, providing vital skill development and individual feedback. Players can also train and play in our adult and youth development teams.

The Sunday Academy dates are available on our calendar, and any cancellations will be communicated via the Teamo app and our social media platforms.

The Academy actively participates in a variety of national and local competitions, catering to all player standards and allowing them to progress at their own pace. Our focus is on supporting children to have fun, whether or not they choose to advance to adult hockey immediately.

As part of the player pathway, selected players from the Academy may have access to evening adult training from the age of 13 and the opportunity to progress to our adult development teams. Tournaments and games will be communicated well in advance.

Equipment:

Players should wear appropriate sportswear and footwear (no football boots) and dress in layers for varying weather conditions, including gloves.

We recommend all players wear gum guards and shin pads.

For newcomers to hockey, we provide training sticks.

Once a member, club kit is available through the Members Info section.

Coaching & Safeguarding:

Our coaches are England Hockey Board-certified to Level 1 or Level 2, adhering to best practice NGB standards and child safeguarding in the Academy.

We welcome volunteer parents under coach supervision to enhance each session, and we have dedicated coaches for goalkeeper development.

The Club has adopted England Hockey Safeguarding Policies, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for hockey players of all ages and abilities.

Medical Information & Supervision:

Parents and Carers are requested to enter and update relevant medical information on the Club database(s) and keep coaches, managers, and team captains informed about their child's medical conditions.

Parental supervision is expected during training sessions for U12's and below and for minis tournaments (U10s and U12s).

Younger age groups need an available escort to the toilets.

Parents are responsible for providing transportation for U18 members to fixtures.

Photography & Protective Equipment:

The Club may take photographs and footage during matches and training sessions for press or Club use.

Under 18s should wear shin pads and gum shields, and face masks are required when defending short corners for all age groups from U12 upwards.

Code of Ethics and Behaviour:

St Neots Hockey Club adheres to the England Hockey Code of Ethics and Behaviour, and all members, parents, visitors, and club officials are expected to conduct themselves accordingly.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS:

NSPCC Helpline (24 hrs): 0808 800 5000

Childline: 0800 1111

Police Child Protection Team: 999

For any further questions please contact Tim Sutton - Academy Lead