Junior Pathway and Trials
The Hockey Geelong Sharks 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.
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 annual JCC sees regional Victoria’s most talented Hockey players representing their Regional Associations at a weekend long event. It typically takes place in mid-May and there are Under 13, Under 15 and Under 18 Boys & Girls divisions offered.
The 2024 Hockey Victoria Junior Country Championships (JCC) will be held over the weekend of May 18 & 19, 2024.
The Geelong Hockey Association aims to enter teams in all age groups. 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.
Age groups are Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 for boys only and girls only competitions. Age groups are determined by the player’s age on January 1, 2024.
2024 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
Player Fee – $90 per player, covers tournament costs including loan of new GHA Uniform shirts.
Coaches and team managers are required too.
Please complete this form to submit your nomination, BY April 19, 2024.
Junior State Championships (JSC)
Nominations for coaches and players for the Junior State Championships Western Wildcats teams are open.
Nominations for U12, U14, U16 close on April 17, 2024. Nominations for U18 teams close on July 10.
In 2024, the Junior State Championships will be held in Bendigo and Shepparton.
BENDIGO will host the following:
- Under 14 & Under 16 Boys – Friday 5th July to Sunday 7th July, 2024
- Under 18 Boys & Girls – Saturday 21st September to Monday 23rd September
SHEPPARTON will host the following:
- Under 14 & Under 16 Girls – Friday 5th July to Sunday 7th July, 2024
- Under 12 Boys & Girls Hockey 5s – Wednesday 3rd July to Thursday 4th July, 2024
Details and registration here…..