ROVER OXFORD HOCKEY CLUB

The club was formed in 1999 from a merger between Rover Cowley and Headington Hockey Clubs. The club embraces the strongest aspects from each of the former clubs to provide the best possible environment for players, coaches and umpires to advance as far in the game as they are able. This process has produced a larger, friendlier and more successful club – so much so that we are being used as a model for other hockey clubs in the south of England.

Our youth development policy started in 1990 has developed players who have progressed into the England teams whilst maintaining the ethos of ‘Sport for all’. This attitude has been carried forward in the new club and is encapsulated in the club motto ‘Friendship Driving Success’.
 

In March 2004 we were awarded England Hockey's 'Clubs First' a Sport England Clubmark award which means we are safe, effective and child friendly.

HOCKEY COACHING - OUR AIMS
We provide the encouragement and opportunity to all players, boys and girls whether they are picking up a stick for the first time or if they are ambition enough to want to play for England! Strong Men's, Ladies and Mixed teams ensure that as the children mature, their skills are continuously challenged. They are therefore able to develop as far in hockey as they wish with the best support they can possibly get. It is a proud boast of the club that we have developed players to the highest level without appearing elitist. At the same time, we encourage the participation of boys and girls together in the same teams up to the age of 14 which sets as apart from other clubs.

THE COACHING METHOD
Each coaching session consists of a warm-up, individual and team skills coaching followed by a practice game and a warm-down. The rules of the game are introduced and learned, as they are required. Progressive exercises are used to gradually build on the basic skills to the point where the child can apply them in match situations. We pay particular attention to safety, prevention of injury and fair play. As the children progress they are encouraged to experiment and develop new skills of their own.

THE COACHING STAFF
No matter Which age group your child plays in, he or she will be coached and managed by Hockey Association (HA) qualified coaches as well as other hockey players who teach the children a whole range of skills and tactics. Many of these coaches are also umpires and have undertaken specialist coaching courses as well as gaining first aid qualifications - and they have all been police checked as part of our Child Protection Policy. Our coaches also manage and coach several of the Oxfordshire county squads - both boys and girls. Few other hockey clubs can equal this. In addition we also welcome help from parents who are interested in taking part in the activities.

CHILD PROTECTION AND COACHING PRACTICE
The club has developed both a child protection policy and coaching practice guidelines that have been adopted by the Oxfordshire Hockey Association. The document is distributed to all club members and all coaches must adhere to the guidelines. An appointed Child Welfare Person is responsible for ensuring the safety and protection of all children in our care.

WHERE DOES IT HAPPEN?
The training sessions are held on Sunday mornings between 9.30 and 12.00 during the Autumn and Spring terms at Oxford Brookes Sports Centre. For children up to age 11 the training takes place between 9.30 and 10.30. Those aged 12 and over train from 10.30 to 12.00 with matches being played from 12.00 to 13.30. A separate fixture list is available that shows which teams are playing home or away. Younger children (under 12) must be left and collected from the coaches on the pitch. Directions

PLAY IN A TEAM
As well as organising the training sessions, we also run eleven-a-side teams for Under-12, 14 and 16 age groups. Home and away fixtures are organised against other teams in the area. These matches are also played on Sundays instead of training. The Under 14’s and 16’s play in the Oxford leagues. The older children also have the opportunity for playing on Saturdays in the senior sides. We also organise six-a-side mini hockey tournaments for all age groups against other clubs and host a major tournament at the end of the Spring term. It is our policy that everybody plays in the teams although not all will necessarily play in all the matches. Those players not picked for the team attend the normal training session.

AWARDS
We measure the children's development using the England Hockey's 'Stix' awards that are run at the end of the spring term. The test consists of six exercises that must be completed within a time limit. Every child receives a certificate according to their level of expertise. At the end of the season we present these awards as well as awards of our own for children who have improved the most.

WHAT KIT DO YOU NEED?
Red shirt, blue shorts/skirt and red socks are Club colours, but it is more important in cold weather to make sure children have warm clothing. We have some spare sticks (especially for beginners) but if the children are serious about the game they should get their own.  As the games are played on astroturf, the best boots to get are the small studded hockey boot (not large studs) available at most sports and shoe shops, but trainers will do. Shin pads are essential - you may not be allowed to play in matches if you do not have them. Mouth guards are recommended for those with adult teeth. These should be purchased from your dentist or though your school. Moulded mouth guards available from sports shops are not recommended. For those interested in goal keeping, we have full sets of kit that can be borrowed for training sessions. Most equipment (not shirts) can be purchased from Elmer Cotton Sports in Turl street. We have arranged a 10% discount for our club members. Shirts and socks are available through the club. See the England Hockey Fact File for more information

WANT TO JOIN?
Just come along to one of the training sessions or call Nick Malden on 01865 556422. The first session is free so come along and try it out – please bring a friend if you like.  Please complete a Medical and Parental Consent form and bring it with you.