Victorian Underwater Hockey Commission Inc.
JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2016
Prepared by Nina Barry-Macaulay
MISSION
To provide opportunities and clear pathways for the procurement and
development of young1 underwater hockey players, assisting them to achieve
a high level of performance.
OBJECTIVES
Establish events and opportunities for young people to learn about and try
underwater hockey for the first time. Encourage and provide support and
assistance to clubs running beginner or procurement sessions.
Establish a pathway for Junior underwater hockey players to pursue the sport
and eventually transition from Junior to elite level.
Promote and advocate Junior development through events, mentoring and
training opportunities.
1
Players U19 years of age.
First time Juniors
The VUHC recognises two common ways in which Juniors are introduced to
the sport for the first time:
- Through a school program (promoted by the school)
- Outside of school as an extra curricular activity (promoted by word of
mouth, referral, or advertising)
School Clinics and Programs
The VUHC have facilitated and assisted with various school programs in the
past. In this strategy we propose that regular school clinics would improve the
number of Junior players introduced to the Sport. However, we recognise that
schools should be targeted which are geographically close to underwater
hockey clubs. This will provide a clear pathway for Juniors introduced through
school to pursue the sport at a club level.
ACTION: VUHC continue to run school programs when approached to assist
in the development of a consolidated structure and to gather
recommendations and positive feedback to assist in promoting school
programs to targeted areas.
Estimated timeframe: Continuous/Current
ACTION: VUHC develop an information pack designed to market School
Clinics to schools. This pack may include testimonials, video footage and
images of school clinics, an example of how the clinic runs, and the
educational aspect as per the current Victorian education syllabus.
Estimated timeframe: Mid-End 2017
ACTION: VUHC together with local clubs begin approaching Schools local to
club areas to add underwater hockey clinic in their school program.
Estimated timeframe: 2018
RESOURCES NEEDED:
- Volunteers able to assist in running school programs during school
hours.
- Equipment.
- A sub committee to put together the ‘Information pack’
Club Programs
This strategy recognises the importance and value of individual clubs in
making the introduction of the sport to Juniors a part of their program. The
success of regional clubs who have a healthy Junior/beginners program and
produce many state level junior players demonstrates this.
For example, the Wonthaggi Underwater Hockey Club dedicate the shallow
end of their pool, and first hour of their session to first time players and
younger developing players. They also provide new players with all equipment
necessary and a senior player as mentor and supervisor.
ACTION: This strategy proposes that a letter from the VUHC be sent to all
clubs in Victoria encouraging clubs to become involved in introducing the
sport to young people and developing these players. The letter would set out
the ways in which the VUHC could provide support and assistance to these
clubs such as providing promotional materials, assisting in the purchase of
equipment, proving letters of support to local schools, etc.
Estimated timeframe: 2016
ACTION: The VUHC develop resources for clubs wishing to promote
underwater hockey to new players. For example, a flyer and poster, a short
film ‘trailer’, editorial/press release and images, downloadable information
pack.
Estimated timeframe: End 2017
Junior Development Pathway
OPEN ELITE LEVEL
NATIONAL TEAM – U19
JUNIOR STATE TEAM – U19/U15
CLUB TEAM
INTRODUCTION PROGRAM
The VUHC Support the above Junior development pathway. They agree to
provide support to all clubs and individuals in assisting Junior players to move
along this pathway in their goal of achieving a high level of elite underwater
hockey.
The VUHC recognise that there are several factors and events involved for a
junior successfully following the above pathway. These are discussed in the
next section.
ACTION: Generate a page on the VUHC website devoted to Junior
Development providing the above pathway, calendar of events and
opportunities for Juniors to participate in, training programs and skill tutorials,
and mentors who are happy to be contacted and work with developing
Juniors.
Estimated timeframe: End 2017
Junior Development: Events and Opportunities
The VUHC recognise the below opportunities and events as pivotal to the
development of Junior players.
State Titles
State Titles provide an opportunity for Juniors to play together in a competitive
environment and fun and sociable atmosphere. They also provide an
opportunity for junior players to watch, talk with and possibly play with more
senior players and mentors.
ACTION: Continue to ensure Juniors are invited and well represented at State
Titles.
Estimated timeframe: Continuous/Current
Inclusive Competitions and Social Games
Inclusive social competitions such as a Pot Luck 4’s tournament, and social
games such as the fortnightly Women’s games provide a fun and safe
environment for Junior players to interact and play with their peers and
mentors. They also provide an opportunity for Junior players to play in a more
competitive environment than a club night.
ACTION: Continue to ensure Juniors are invited and well represented at
VUHC’s social tournaments, to provide at least one such tournament a year,
to develop a new Melbourne club night (for example at MSAC), to continue to
invite and encourage young women to participate in Women’s social games.
Estimated timeframe: Continuous/Current
Mentoring
Mentoring is often an organic process where a senior and junior player form a
relationship because they are a part of the same club or share something in
common. Mentoring is important because it provides a safe and comfortable
environment for discussion and feedback, and also can assist in motivating
and inspiring people.
ACTION: The VUHC on the Junior development page on their website
(mentioned above) promote mentoring and offer assistance to putting Junior
players in touch with a mentor.
Estimated timeframe: End 2017