New players can start at any time of the season and often do. Boys and girls are welcome to come along and try hockey for a couple of weeks completely free of charge.

When should they start?

The season officially starts in September, so that's the ideal time to join, but other good times to start are in January (and you can pay half fees) or at the start of school term 5 and then come to training sessions over the summer. But many players start at other times of the year - and that's absolutely fine with us.

It doesn't matter whether they've played hockey or another sport before, though some experience of playing in a team will always be a good idea. The best age to start is in school year 3 or 4, but we get children starting at all ages, even up to 16.

Taster sessions

We offer free taster sessions at all times of the year. You're welcome just to turn up with your child, but if you contact us in advance, that's always appreciated.

Children need to come wearing something suitable for running around in and the weather on the day.
They should wear a pair of shin pads - they can be cheap "football shin pads".
We recommend that they wear a gumshield. We know that youngsters often need to get used to wearing a gumshield, but they will quickly see that all the other boys and girls are wearing them.
If they have a hockey stick, they are very welcome to bring it, but we have lots of spare sticks which they can borrow during the training sessions. Usually once they get committed to hockey, most parents buy a stick.

Please see the Equipment page for more details.

Many parents stay to watch training. There are dugouts next to the pitch where you can sit and chat to other parents, or you can sit in the Sports Centre which is next to the pitch. If your child comes to Primary Academy (schools years 3 to 6) for a taster session, it's essential for you to stay since we have no contact details for them.

There are toilets in the Sports Centre, plus a vending machine for refreshments.

How do I sign them up?

We recommend that you sign them up on the website as soon as possible - perhaps after coming for the first week.

You do this by clicking on the big JOIN button. As this will explain, you need to sign up as you (the parent) and then add your child to your account. We need your contact details in case of emergency plus their date of birth. (We don't need your date of birth!)

By doing this, when we sent out information to players, the messages are sent to you. If you want, a second parent/carer can also sign up and request to be linked to your child's account. If in any doubt, w e will always check such requests with you.

When you sign them up, there is no immediate requirement to pay anything. Indeed, you won't be able to pay for anything until we have authorised your request to "join" our club.

If you then decide not to join, please just let us know and we can quickly delete all your details from the system.