Which Grade Is Right For Your Son/Daughter?

Welcome to the Avon Hockey Junior Club 2024 Season!

We offer hockey for all junior ages, and we welcome registrations from everyone who wishes to play hockey for the 2022 season. All registrations can be made by clicking here or by emailing juniors@avonhockey.co.nz.

New to hockey? Not sure where your son/daughter fits in? Below is a guide to assist with this. The main question is what year level is your son/daughter as this defines the grade.

Year 7-8 Boys and Girls

Kwik Sticks 7-a-Side Boys and Girls

This is a half-field hockey grade which is played on Saturdays at Nunweek, Marist and Nga Puna Wai Parks. It has been proposed that the second half of the season will be played as 11-a-side subject to numbers. The grade is designed to accommodate both new and experienced players. The grade focuses on developing player stick skills, teamwork and ball distribution skills, with emphasis on players playing in multiple positions and getting significant time on the ball. The grade has 7 players on the field at one-time – goalies are optional.

Year 5-6 Boys and Girls

Kiwi Sticks Boys and Girls

The Yr. 5&6 grade is called “Kiwi Sticks”. It is a grade that is applicable to all players in this age range. This grade fields 6 or 7 players on the field at one time, including a goalie. Games are held on Saturday at various local school turfs (Sydenham, St. Andrew’s College, Medbury etc.) – which are generally half sized turfs. The grade is suitable for both experienced and new players, with the intention that players develop basic and intermediate skills of hockey that will prepare them for playing Kwik Sticks hockey (above).

Year 3-4 Boys and Girls:

Mini Sticks Boys and Girls

The Yr. 3&4 grade is called “Mini Sticks”. It is a grade that is applicable to all players in this age range. The grade field’s 6 players on the field at one time, with no goalie. Games are held at various local school turfs (Shirley Boys High School, Wycola Park etc.) – which are generally 1/4 – 1/3 sized turfs. Most players playing in this grade are either new players or players who have played for a limited time and have limited playing experience. This grade teaches the basics of hockey – including positional play, basic stick skills and teamwork. It is designed to be fun for the players – no scores are officially released on the Canterbury Hockey draw website.

Year 1-2 Boys and Girls

Fun Sticks Programme

All year 1-2 players participate in the fun sticks programme. This programme runs for an hour as part of our club training slot at the Shirley Community Trust Turf on North Parade on Thursday nights. The programme starts at the start of May and runs for 12 weeks.

It is designed to be a fun-filled programme which teaches the basic skills of hockey in a great, fun environment. Players use a range of different equipment, not limited to hockey sticks and balls, to develop their skills and awareness of the game, including fun games. Our coaches are very supportive and skilled, and parents are actively encouraged to assist and participate should they wish to. The programme is a great way to start your child on the way to becoming the next Black Stick!