The Academy runs regular events to keep children aged 8-18 across North Wales engaged in hockey and to allow them to develop their skills, this is essential given the geographical disparity between clubs. We have created links with clubs across North Wales and Bangor university as we endeavour to give travel access, strengthen hockey by using the facilities, expertise and knowledge within our North Wales hockey community.

Hockey offers exercise and a chance to improve skills such as communication, agility and hand-to-eye co-ordination to name but a few. However, as the game is played at pace with technical skill, hockey offers not just a breath of fresh air but a complete reboot for the mind. What cannot be overstated, however, is the friendship, camaraderie and teamwork that come for free as a hockey player. Hockey clubs are the largest sports clubs at UK Universities largely because it is such a sociable game. At the highest levels it is extremely competitive but we in North Wales are wholly unrepresented. Hockey Wales has an effective pathway in place for playing international hockey, but there are just a handful of players from North Wales covering all of the Wales squads, men as well as ladies, at every level from U16 to full International.

We are resolute in providing equal opportunities; hockey is a game popular throughout the world and played by many under-developed countries in Asia and Africa. There is nothing to stop someone playing hockey other than the cost of equipment. For this reason we offer standard equipment at every Academy session that can be used by new players, and at Northop Hall Hockey training sessions that a beginner can join. If you would like to know your nearest hockey club click here. Equipment such as mouthguards cannot be loaned out and must be fitted to the individual concerned, we will assist in the purchase of these where a need is identified. 

Hockey is an inclusive sport, we as an Academy are steadfast in our desire to promote our sport to all sections of the community so no-one is left out. There is nothing whatsoever preventing someone of any identity or sexuality from taking part. In fact we believe the friendly, sociable nature of the sport is an ideal opportunity to cast aside any differences and include everyone. This is also true of youngsters with anxiety, shyness or suffering with their mental well-being – the Academy is open to everyone and the nature of the sport is one of inclusivity and friendliness, this is a positive opportunity to actively encourage participation by all.

As an Academy our role is to welcome new players and to coach those already in the game, some will join Northop Hall junior section but others may not be able to through other commitments, distance to the club or socio-economic limitations. We will support those players too, encourage and coach them through our ongoing events so that they, too, will have the opportunity to take their game further. This works alongside the Aura's Schools hockey programme initiatives aimed at schools taking up hockey. We will be able to provide the additional support and coaching that a school might need to get going, assisting with the development of their youngsters regardless of whether or not they are a member of a club.

What skills they should have at each stage:

Beginner – Participants are new to hockey, might have played a little bit at school or at a club but need to develop fundamental hockey skills.

Intermediate – Participants understand basic dribbling and passing skills and can perform them in a game situation. They may play at school or at a club.

Advanced – Participants understand dribbling, passing, elimination, defending and shooting skills and can complete them in a competitive situation. They may play regularly at school and/or a club including in matches.

Performance – Participants can complete complex skills in an isolated environment and have the confidence to attempt them in a competitive game situation. Participants begin to understand the tactical awareness within the game. They train and play regularly at a school and/or club as well as pathway training.