School year 1-8

How do I register?
Please follow this link to register a player: Register Here

Do you take beginners?
Yes, we place players in teams with similar abilities according to school years.

Are the teams mixed?
Yes, teams are mixed, up to the premier grade.
The year 5&6 level, premier grade consists of 2 teams for boys and 2 teams for girls.
At year 7&8 level, the premier team may be mixed depending on player numbers, otherwise it is the same as year 5&6.
To be considered for a premier team, children will need to have played hockey before at a high level and will need to attend trials.

Do I have to attend trials?
If you wish to be considered for one of the premier teams, then yes you will need to attend trials. Otherwise it is not necessary to attend.
All other players will automatically be placed in teams depending on playing history, ability and age.

Can my child be in the same team as their friends?
We are unable to guarantee this, but always do our best to take into account friendship groups.

When is practice?
At this stage we can’t confirm practise day as depends on turf times and coaches.

What gear do I need?
Mouthguard, shin pads, hockey stick, navy shorts/skirts/skorts and HPHC socks. You can buy the Club shorts/skorts and socks from the Adidas Club link: https://hockeyanz.com/partners/howick-pakuranga-hockey-club The Club provides playing tops.

Can I volunteer?
Yes please. We need team coaches, team managers, and grade co-ordinators. Please contact jnr@hphockey.org.nz
For more information or to offer your help.

When are games played?
Games are played at varying times on Saturday mornings. Please see below for approximates. Where are games played. We would suggest that you download the Auckland Hockey App as it has all the game draws each week. Download Here Games are played at various turfs around the Auckland region.

How do the grades work?

GRADE	SCHOOL YEAR	DESCRIPTION	APPROXIMATE GAME TIMES
Kwik Sticks	Year 7 & 8	11 a side competition, there is also a 6 a side division for players new to hockey	Game times: 10.30am, 11.30am or 9.40am, 10.40am and 11.40am
Kiwi Sticks	Year 5 & 6	6 a side competition	Game times: 8am, 8.50am, 9.40am and 10.30am
Mini Sticks	Year 3 & 4	6 a side competition	Game times: 8am and 8.50am
Fun Sticks	Year 1 & 2	Fundamental Skills Module for all players new to hockey.	Session starts at 8am

School Year 9-13

Our Youth teams cater for all experience levels and play standard 11 a side games following the same rules that apply for senior hockey. Players can play hockey for both school and club. Training and game times are usually coordinated to allow for this. HPHC play in the Auckland Hockey Youth Competition. Match days: Premier Grade play Friday evening Championship Grade play Sundays

All Youth players are expected to trial for a team. Please see website, Facebook, Instagram for trial dates and information
Youth trials will run similarly to Senior trials, where selectors/ coaches assess players skills through a series of games. Goalies will be part of the assessment but may also be invited to a separate goalie trial (time and date to be advised). HPHC aim to accommodate all players in a team that suits their ability, age and playing experience.

Youth Premier Grade
The Premier team is aimed at tier 1 competitive players aspiring to play the highest level of hockey. A high level of skill and fitness will be required to play at this level. If you have previously played at this level or aspire to play at this level, then please come to the Youth Premier trial.

Youth Championship Grade
HPHC aims to field 2/3 boys and girls Championship teams to ensure we offer the development opportunities for all our players. Championship teams are also graded within the Youth competition. The Championship grade is seen as another pathway to our Premier teams in the future.

Training Days
Training days cannot be confirmed at this stage but will depend on the coaches and turf availability Have a question? Email youthcaptain@hphockey.org.nz

Adults

Our senior teams cater for all experience levels from Beginner to Elite. The competition at this level is divided into different skill levels and teams are selected based on trials so that players are able to play and compete with those of a similar skill level. Teams are men's or women's and practice on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings with a games on either Saturday or Sunday.

The different grades for the Seniors are broken into the following divisions:
Premier
Premier Reserve
Division 1
Division 2
Division 3
Division 4

The goalkeeper is arguably the most important position on the hockey field! A good goalkeeper can win you games. It is therefore paramount that goalkeepers get the attention and time they deserve at trainings. The goalkeeper is responsible for the defensive circle and a strong goalkeeper will often take a leadership role on defence

Key attributes of a good goalkeeper:

• Fast and agile
• Proficient with both the left and right foot
• Ability to judge and close down shooting angles
• Ability to make aerial saves with the glove (left) and stick (right)
• Ability to go down correctly at defensive PC’s and / or remain standing depending on circumstances (hit / flick)
• Good communicator and organiser of the defence