Southland U16 Programme Overview

Eligibility: Players born 2010, 2011, 2012 (some Year 9s may be born in 2013 they are also in this age group)

​​​​​​​

Under 16 Pre Season Development Block - Term 1, 2026

What is it?

This 4 week Under 16 Pre-Season Development Block supports players as they prepare for the upcoming school and club hockey season.

Sessions focus on fundamental skills, principles of play, decision-making, and small-sided games, providing players with high ball contact and quality coaching in a development focused environment. The programme is designed to complement existing school and club training and is ideal for players aspiring to play representative hockey.

Players will be split into small groups to fit their development needs, based on coach feedback.

Players born in 2010 are also encouraged to attend the U18 Friday Fight Nights 4-5pm to extend their development. (no extra cost)

Who can join?

  • Players born in 2010, 2011 & 2012 (some Year 9s may be born in 2013 they are also in this age group)
  • Open to all players aspiring to representative hockey
  • Field players only (goalkeepers will have separate development opportunities)

When?

  • Thursdays
  • 4 weeks, starting Thursday 5 March
  • 5:30 - 6:45 pm

Venues will be confirmed once registrations close, depending on player numbers. Will alternate between gore and invercargill

Cost?

$50 for 4 weeks

Register now:

https://www.playhq.com/hockey-new-zealand/register/c4f400



Hockey Southland U16 Pathway - 2026 Season Overview

The U16 pathway is designed to provide targeted development opportunities for all players, preparing them for school, representative hockey and national tournaments. Players in this pathway must be born in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Season Structure:

  1. Pre-Season Development (4 weeks)

    • Focus: Skill development, game understanding, fitness preparation.

    • Open to all eligible players wishing to be considered for the U16 pathway.

    • Provides foundational preparation ahead of the competitive term.

  2. Sporting edge Development camp 7/8 April

  3. Term 2 Development Block (4 weeks leading into trials)

    • Sessions run for 4 weeks from Friday 29th May

    • Focus: Position-specific skills, team strategies, and performance refinement.

    • Compolsary for Alpiners Festival Trialists

  4. Mainland Cup Development Opportunity (optional, prior to trials)

    • 30th May-1st June.

    • A Selected squad may be invited to attend as a development experience.

    • Helps players gain exposure to higher level competition ahead of nationals.

  5. Trials

    • Sunday 21st and 28th June 

    • Conducted at the conclusion of the Term 2 development block.

    • Performance at trials will determine selection for representative teams.

  6. Representative Team Selection

    • Pre Tournament Games will come up prior to tournaments. 

    • National U16 Tournaments

    • Eligibility: Players born 2010–2011

    • Dates: 3rd - 7th October 2026

    • Boys: Auckland | Girls: Christchurch

    • South Island U16 Alpiners Festival (Development Teams)

      • Christchurch | Dates: 5th–9th October 2026

      • Eligibility: Players born 2010–2012

      • Strongly encouraged for all pathway players as teams compete in like-for-like grades, providing development experience. All programme participants will be placed in a team. 

Key Notes:

  • Players will progress through the pathway based on performance, skill development, and coach recommendations.

  • Participation in the Alpiners Festival is a significant development opportunity, especially for emerging players who may not yet be ready for national tournament selection.