Junior development

The Hockey Geelong have been entering junior teams in the Hockey Victoria winter metropolitan competition for more than 25 years.

No matter which local club you play for, all players from around Geelong are encouraged to attend the Sharks trial sessions. They are an opportunity for all junior players to improve skills, learn new skills and practice with other kids who are keen to do the same. The Sharks games being played on Friday nights enable you to play your regular club hockey.

Junior Sharks teams play in a home and away competition against the best players in under 14 and under 16 age divisions in the highest level of weekly junior competitions in the State.

Games are played in girls competitions and boys competitions, all on Friday nights during school terms 2 and 3. Training is held on Tuesday nights at Stead Park from 6.00 to 7.00pm

Teams have a coach, assistant coach and team manager, all supported by Hockey Geelong to guide junior player development, teamwork and skills.

Junior Development Coach (JDC) – Nic Brydon

Junior Dev Coach Nic Brydon

Hockey Geelong’s Junior Development Coach (JDC) plays a key role in working with junior players, from beginners to more advanced athletes, helping to develop their skills and create a supportive environment for growth.

The JDC’s responsibilities include assisting local clubs and the Sharks during training sessions and games, and offering support to coaches when needed. These services are available at no cost and can be booked through Graeme Dent, with the understanding that scheduling will depend on the JDC’s availability.

Additionally, the JDC visits schools to introduce hockey and participates in the schools’ competitions for talent identification and coaching. The JDC is also involved in mentoring coaches and enhancing existing programs to further support the development of players and teams.

Book junior development session

Development pathway

Hockey Geelong’s Junior Sharks program is the opportunity for interested players to take a ‘next step up’, providing players with development opportunities that can also help prepare them to take part in trials at State Championship and National levels. Many of Hockey Geelong’s junior players have been selected to play with the Western Metro Wildcats in the Victorian Junior State Championships.

Players are also encouraged to try out for the Hockey Victoria Junior Academy training squads in preparation for State team selections. At the State level competitions, players are identified as possible future national players.

The Junior Sharks program is also the next step on the pathway to the Senior Sharks teams who compete in the Hockey Victoria competitions. Hockey Geelong’s Senior Sharks teams have reached the Men’s and Women’s Premier League in previous seasons, the highest level of hockey competition in Victoria. This means they regularly play against National and Olympic level players.

There are also planned holiday clinics to enable Junior Sharks to learn more advanced skills from those who have played at the very highest levels.

2025 season

Want to join the Hockey Geelong Sharks teams for the 2025 season? Nominations close October 31 and selection trials commence in November.

Junior Country Championships (JCC)

The 2025 Junior Country Championships (JCC) will be held over the weekend of May 17 & 18.

The JCC is organised by Hockey Victoria to showcase regional Victoria’s most talented junior players. Geelong Hockey Association teams will play in a round robin style event against teams from other Victorian Regional Associations with approximately 5 or 6 matches over the weekend, including pool matches, finals and minor placing matches.

Age groups are Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 for boys and girls only competitions. Age groups are determined by the player’s age on January 1, 2025. Please note, there is no local U14 or U16 club hockey scheduled in Geelong on the JCC weekend.

Any junior player who is registered to play hockey with the Geelong Hockey Association is eligible to nominate. A trial session may be required if player nominations exceed maximum player numbers per team.

2025 Junior Country Championship locations:

U/14 – Venue – Essendon Hockey Centre, 1 Hockey Lane, Ascot Vale
U/16 – Venue – Greensborough Hockey Centre, Plenty Park, Memorial Drive, Plenty
U/18 – Venue – Melbourne Sports Centre Parkville, 10 Brens Drive, Parkville

Junior State Championships (JSC)

This is the pinnacle Junior Event in Victoria, with teams competing across the Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 Boys & Girls divisions. The event has been running for well over ten years in its current format and is a highlight in the Victorian Hockey calendar each year.

Parkville and Footscray will host the 2025 Junior State Championships.

U12 Hockey 5s JSC:

9-10 July 2025 at Footscray Hockey Centre

U14 & U16 JSC:

11-13 July 2025 at SNCH Parkville and Footscray Hockey Centre

U18 JSC:

20-22 September 2025 at SNHC Parkville