Player Pathway

Northumberland Hockey run Academy Centre groups for players aged 11 to 17, providing 8 training sessions and 3 or 4 competition days per season. 

Players attend high quality coaching environments learning a range of skills in a competitive but fun environment.
Regular competition against Durham, North/South/West Yorkshire and Humber, provides excellent age appropriate match experience for players.  

How to get involved

Players are usually nominated to attend an Academy Centre by their school or club coaches, they will be asked to participate in a pre-season open trial.

Players can be nominated from the ages of 11-17

Players who consistently demonstrate strong skills and commitment are invited to the Academy Centre

If you are not selected for an Academy Centre do not worry, you should continue to develop your hockey through school, club and Development Centre activity. You may be nominated to attend an Academy Centre later in the season and can be nominated at any age group.

2025/2026 Season

Registration for the U13, U14, U15 and U18 age group trials is now open link to online form.  Registration closes on Thursday 31st August 2025.

We will be running teams for boys and girls in each of the following age groups: U12, U13, U14, U15 and U18.  Although we will not be offering an U16 age group, U16 players are invited to trial for the U18 squad. Please note that trials for U12s will take place later in the season – please do not register your U12 player for the U13 trials.  

Over the course of the season, county players will be expected to attend 6 training sessions as well as county tournament days – the latter usually take place on Sundays, and are sometimes proximate to exam weeks. Please do not attend trials if you are unable to commit to training and matches. 

County trial dates

County players will be selected following two trials and players are expected to attend both dates, regardless of whether they have previously played in a county squad.  

The trials will take place on Sunday 14 September and Sunday 21 September at The Royal Grammar School pitches, Newcastle, NE2 4DX. Entry details will be circulated to those who have registered interest. 

Times  

U13 girls and U13 boys session will be 10am to 11.15pm 

U14 girls and U14 boys session will be 11.30pm to 12.45pm 

U15 girls and U15 boys session will be 1 pm to 2.15pm 

U18 girls and U18 boys session will be 2.30pm to 3.45pm 

Cost £10 per session payable on the day in cash.

Northumberland County Hockey  Association is a voluntary organisation,  we will endeavour to respond to emails and questions as soon as possible.