Plymouth Hockey Development Group

England Hockey Membership
England Hockey is launching a new membership scheme for its supporters and fans. Members will receive the full benefits of being part of the hockey family, including:

Easter Camp 2008
This year's PHDG Easter Hockey Camp will be held in April, at Lipson Community College (10:00am to 3:00pm).

With England U21 international Matt Woods, cost £13 per day. Wednesday 16th April for school years 3 to 6. Thursday 17th April for years 6 to 9.

Jan/Feb 2008 - First Aid Course
The PHDG is running a first aid course on Tuesday 29th January & 5th February (6pm to 9:30pm) at Crownhill Fort. To book a place please email Rob White. Costs to be confirmed.

16th November 2007 - Hooked on Hockey Junior Skills Challenge Award scheme launched
The PHDG is delighted to launch its news ‘Junior Skills Challenge Award scheme’ which the group has been working on over the past year.
See the Hooked on Hockey section for more details.

1st November 2007 - Developing Junior Players and Teams
Sunday 18th November 2007, 12pm - 2pm at Marjons.
The PHDG is delighted to be able to offer the opportunity for your club coaches/managers to be able to attend a workshop looking at the development of junior players and teams.

Come along to the Developing Junior Players and Teams Workshop for ideas on Coaching, direction as to what to coach and how to coach any particular skills. Read more in this poster Adobe Acrobat document, 112Kb

Cost to a club is £10 per person, for a club wishing to bring more than 5, a flat fee of £50 will be charged.
To book places for your coaches, managers or leaders please email Jamie Oxley.

19th September 2007 - Developing Partnerships with Club and Schools Workshop
Plymouth City Council's Sports Development Unit (SDU) is running a sports workshop on Monday 22 October 6.30-9.30pm at Windsor House, Tavistock Road, Plymouth. The cost is £20 per person (*£5 reduction for clubs with PCC Club Accreditation).
At the end of the workshop schools and sports organisations will be able to:

11th September 2007 - Plymouth boys win Devon Youth Games
Read this report on the success of Plymouth boys hockey team in the Devon Youth Games 2007.

4th September 2007 - Job opening: Hockey Development Officer & Coach
The PHDG is offering a new Primary Hockey Development Officer Coach position. The post is now being offered full-time (37 hours per week).
The post will be contracted through the PHDG working across Plymouth/East Cornwall and West Devon schools and clubs.
See full details here.

31st August 2007 - PCC Sport and Recreational Grant Aid
The next meeting of the grants committee is in mid September, and if you are a member of a Plymouth Sports Club or a resident who lives within the Plymouth boundary you may be eligible for a grant towards Travel and Accommodation or Sporting Qualifications under this scheme. For further details and to download an application form follow this link (Plymouth City Council website).

15th August 2007 - England Hockey July newsletter
July's edition of England Hockey News is now available to download from the England Hockey website here.

7th August 2007 - Active Devon 5th Annual Conference on 14th October
The event is headlined this year by David Shepherd, former International Cricket Umpire and Robin Brew former Olympic and World Record Holder and Director of Swimming at Kelly College and promises to be bigger than ever with even more workshop choices including for the first time a full programme for officials/umpires/referees and exhibition stands from 100%ME (anti-doping in sport programme) and SkillsActive.

Anyone interested in booking a place can contact us by calling the office 01392 263674 or email active@devon.gov.uk.

1st August 2007 - West Men's Indoor Hockey Cup
The Men's West Cup is being extended to include regional qualifiers and finals day over three weekends.
Even if your club has little or no indoor experience, please do give this a try. It is a great opportunity to get your younger players involved in something new.
See full details here Adobe Acrobat document, 102Kb

8th June 2007 - "The festival gets better and better" Hails Nigel Rowe MBE
Read the full report on the record breaking Primary Mixed 6-a-side Hockey festival 2007.

June 2007 - England U21 stars set to support the largest Primary Schools Hockey Festival in the Country.
Read the full press release for the Primary Mixed 6-a-side festival 2007.

14th April 2007 - PHDG Centre of Excellence produces England player
Plymouth Marjon players Rhys Hart and Neil Major have both recently represented England Hart at U16 level and Major for the Grand Masters over 60s. Hart has spent the last 6 months attending training camps across the country in preparation for the 4 nations event which was held in Exeter over the Easter weekend. Major who recently turned 60 made his England debut for the Grand Master England team against Scotland. Plymouth Marjon coach Jamie Oxley praised the commitment of both players. Oxley said "Neil is a fine role model and still a very good player. He continues to attend hockey training every week rain or shine. I am sure you will not find many 60 year olds as fit and committed as Neil. Hart continues to impress and has worked very hard especially since being selected to play for his country. I know that 2012 will be his aim which will be tough but if not 2012 then certainly 2016. Major is a great player for the club guiding younger player while Hart is an inspiration to young players in the city. It is fantastic to have internationals at both ends of the spectrum".

Hart first started his hockey at Elburton primary school under the guidance of Plymouth Marjon player Jackie Daw. In 2002 he played in the first DML Primary Mixed hockey festival before going onto Plymstock school where he has been supported by head of PE Mark Taylor. Progressing through the PHDG centre of excellence and playing for Plymouth in the youth games in 2003 & 2004 Hart has since gone onto represent Devon at U14/U15s and U17s and then West at U15 level.

In Exeter Hart played in four games against Holland 2-2, Germany 2-3, Spain 1-4 and bronze medal play off Spain 3-1 victory. The event was run alongside the U18 four nations and a 3 match test series for England U21s against Germany. Attendances to the four day event were very good with Hart appreciating the vocal support from Plymouth hockey enthusiasts. Six boys from Plymouth schools attended as ball boys over the weekend to support what proved a very successful event for England Hockey.

14th April 2007 - Former GB & England player and coach John Shaw visits city
Former GB & England player and coach John Shaw returned to the city to run a three day camp organised by the Plymouth Hockey Development Group officer Simon Fenwick. The camp proved a huge success with over 100 youngsters attending over the three days. What was even more pleasing was the fact that the camp attracted youngsters from as far a field as Penzance, Bude and Ottery. Nearly 60 primary age pupils attended the first day learning from one of the most skilful players England has produced. Shaw as ever proved very popular passing on his skills in such a positive and anigmatic way. Fenwick said “Shaw delivered some great ideas which not only the players would have gained so much from but also the support coaches which included current South African international Gareth Carr".

On Thursday and Friday over 50 attended a 2 day camp for secondary age pupils. PHDG chairman was impressed with the standard on show confidently predicting that some more future England players could develop from those who attended over the three days. Oxley said “having someone with the knowledge and skills like Shaw come to the city is a great boost as it enables local talent to not only learn but also show off their skills to such a great player and coach”

Hockey continues to develop across the city and beyond. It is vital that hockey develops not only in Plymouth but in surrounding towns and villages in Devon and Cornwall if the game is to progress to the top level. The relegation of Plymouth Marjon from the national league is obviously a bitter blow to the game in the area but with so much talent at grass roots level the game has a very bright future. Promotion back to the national league will need to be a priority for Plymouth’s top club.

14th March 2007 - PHDG Open evening
The PHDG held an open evening on Monday 12th March 2007 during which presentations were given by group chairman Jamie Oxley and Schools & Community Development Officer Simon Fenwick. A copy of the Microsoft Powerpoint presentation slides are available from the Downloads area under the General section.

5th December 2006 - PHDG Chairman wins city award
from the Plymouth Herald:

Herald Sports Personalities of the year: Outstanding contribution to sport
Jamie Oxley's tireless dedication to hockey in Plymouth, both as a player and a coach over the past decade, has made the former Marjons student a deserved recipient of the outstanding contribution to sport award. As chairman of the Plymouth Hockey Development Group (PHDG), Oxley has helped raise thousands of pounds to develop and promote the sport in the city.

Oxley's brainchild is now one of the most successful schools' coaching programmes in the country. In addition, as head coach and before that a player, Oxley has played a major role in Plymouth Marjon rising four levels to the National Hockey League.

9th November 2006 - Adult taster hockey sessions

Plymouth City Council and the Big Lottery Fund are funding taster sessions with Plymouth-based OPM Hockey Club for adults (ages 16+) who want to start playing, or get back to playing, hockey in Plymouth.
OPM training takes place at Lipson Community College, Wednesdays starting at 8pm. More details are on this poster, download it in PDF format (270Kb). Registration only costs £2 and sticks can be provided if required.
You can also visit the OPM Hockey website.

6th November 2006 - Zone Hockey Club at Lipson
The Zone Hockey Club restarts on Monday 6th November. The club is for young people with physical and learning difficulties & young people in powered and manual wheelchairs to try a new sport, have fun and learn new skills.

For ages 8-18, every Monday from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. Sessions are free and all equipment is provided.

2nd August 2006 - Devon County Hockey Handbook 2006/07
The Devon County Hockey Handbook for 2006/2007 is now available for download (PDF, 517Kb). This is aimed at Devon Boys (Schools and Youth) & Devon School Girls.

15th February 2006 - Hockey Leadership Conference
The PHDG is delighted to announce that a Hockey Leadership Conference is going to be run in Plymouth on Wednesday March 15th at the College of St Mark & St John. The target group is boys and girls in years 9-11. The aim after the conference is to set up a Youth hockey Forum to help develop the sport. The newly qualified leaders will be give the challenge of setting up a new U16/U15 boys and girls fun league running in late spring and early summer.

A poster for the event can be downloaded from the England Hockey website (or by clicking here)

7th February 2006 - New hockey magazine

Push is a brand new magazine for everyone who has an interest in hockey. Visit http://www.pushhockey.co.uk.

13th January 2006 - England Hockey Roadshows 2006
Email received from England Hockey, West Office

19th December 2005 - Club and Volunteer Development Workshops 2006
The following workshops have been organised by the Plymouth City Council’s Sports Development Unit and will be held at Windsor House, Tavistock Road, Plymouth.
Developing Field-based Fitness will be held at Sir John Hunt Community College.

£5 reduction for any club with Plymouth City Council (formerly Sport Plymouth) Club Accreditation for Good Practice.

Places are limited on each workshop so bookings will be taken on first come first served basis. The cost of each course includes a resource book.

For more information or to book a place please contact Karen Little (Sports Development Unit) on 01752 307137 or email at Karen.little@plymouth.gov.uk

Good Practice & Child Protection
Enhance your existing club policies and procedures by learning about child protection and how to handle potential situations if you have concerns.
Dates: 07/03/2006, 08/06/2006, 25/09/2006, 11/12/2006 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Cost: £27.50.

Plymouth City Council Club Accreditation
An introduction to our locally based accreditation scheme linked directly to NGB schemes providing a recognised quality mark for voluntary sports clubs in Plymouth. A great club development tool, assisting with policies and procedures.
Dates: 28/02/2006, 18/10/2006 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Cost: FREE.

Coaching Children & Young People
Discover the needs and motivation of young players. Learn how to deliver effective coaching sessions to meet the level of skill, developmental stage and motivation of each young player.
Dates: 06/02/2006 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Cost: £27.50.

An Introduction to Core Stability
This generic, cross-sport workshop raises awareness of the importance of core stability, which is vital to optimising performance, reducing injury risks and prolonging your participation.
Dates: 28/03/2006 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Cost: £22.50.

Coaching and the Law
Sport is played in a world with an increasing tendency for litigation. A specially trained tutor delivers this comprehensive workshop and addresses the legal aspects of coaching, providing a wealth of practical experience.
Dates: 24/04/2006 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Cost: £22.50.

Field-based Fitness Testing
Find out how to identify suitable field based tests, conduct them in the correct way and at the right times to provide meaningful information to assess the effectiveness of the training programme and plan for the future.
Dates: 03/05/2006 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Cost: £32.50.

Equity in your Coaching
Everyone should have access to sport, regardless of gender, age, race, ability, faith or sexual orientation. This workshop will help you to apply and extend your existing skills to meet the needs of present and potential participants.
Dates: 14/11/2006 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Cost: £27.50.

6th December 2005 - England Hockey Leadership Award Programme
This programme has been developed by a team of professional and volunteer hockey personnel. It aims to provide parents, students, teachers, players and other potential leaders with a basic knowledge of the key areas of hockey (umpiring, coaching and managing) alongside the confidence to introduce and develop aspects of the game safely to players.

View the poster here (1.2Mb PDF file) or download the overview of the programme here (280Kb PDF file).

15th November 2005 - Website update
The website has had recent minor rearrangements, the first since it went online over 3 years ago. The main area you may find has changed is that there are no longer Courses and Events sections. Instead, courses will now appear in the relevant section (coaching, umpiring, etc), and all other events (e.g. awards evenings, balls, etc) will appear under News.

Fri 24th June 2005 - PHDG Awards Evening.
The Plymouth Hockey Development Group presentation awards evening is taking place on Friday 24th June at The College of St Mark & St John from 6.30 for a 7pm start finishing at 10pm. Parking will be at the rear or side of the College, follow signs to the reception.

Awards

9th/10th June 2005 - Primary Schools Hockey Festival 2005.
Read the report here.

4th March 2005 - England Hockey West Office Newsletter March 2005
Click here.

Friday 17th September 2004 - Plymouth Hockey Ball
The 3rd Plymouth Hockey Ball will be held at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel on 17th September. This coincides with the centenary of Mannamead Ladies Hockey Club. Last year's event was a great success.

13th-18th July 2004 - Under 16 European Tournament
England Hockey will play host to the top Under 16 players in Europe in the European Youth Tournament at Millfield School from 13-18 July. The Girls and Boys events will be held simultaneously on the school's two waterbased pitches. Please visit the England Hockey website page here and download the poster here (PDF file).

Friday 11th June 2004 - PHDG AGM & BBQ
At Plymouth College. 6.45pm PHDG AGM, 7.30 onwards Barbeque for all members of hockey clubs and friends.

Thursday 10th June 2004 - DML Primary Mixed Hockey festival
9.00am - 4.00pm Marjons
If you are able to help with the day event in any way can you let Jamie know. This years special guest will be John Shaw.

5.15 to 7.15pm Marjons
The Development of Core skills for all ages and abilities - Workshop led by John Shaw former GB Player and Coach. NO charge. Download a poster here.

April 18th 2004 - England Hockey National Workshops 2004
At Exeter University, 12.00-4.30
England Hockey is working in conjunction with World Class Ltd to provide a series of National Workshops to encourage the correct coaching of core skills throughout the country. Malcolm Wood will lead these workshops which will include a 4 hour practical element. Cath Arter will also make a short presentation at each venue to inform coaches of The Long Term Athlete Development Programme (LTAD).

It is hoped that each Region will have good young players available or attendees can participate. There will be opportunity for questions and discussion. All Regional and county age Group Coaches and Coach Education Tutors are invited to attend and any other coaches are encouraged to attend at a cost of £20 per head made payable to England Hockey.
To apply and for further details please contact your Regional Office. Contact details for your regional office can be found in Hockey England's "Region" pages, or you can click on the title of the relevant region above to send them an e-mail. englandhockey@exeter.ac.uk.

NEW! Tuesday 27th April 2004 - Club Development Workshop
Funding & Promoting Your Club
6.30pm to 9.30pm, cost £15.
Find out how to raise the funds your club needs, and how to promote your club effectively. Held at Windsor House, Tavistock Road. To book a place please contact Karen Little - tel: 307137.
It is well worth going to this workshop, ideally best if you go with someone else from your club to bounce ideas off during and after the workshop.

25th February 2004 - Results of first on-line poll
The on-line poll has changed and the results of the previous one shows an overwhelming disappoinment in the amount of hockey coverage on British television:

Q: How do you rate the amount of coverage of hockey on television?

Answer	Votes	Percent
Excellent	0	0
Good enough	0	0
Not good enough	5	4%
Terrible	19	17%
What coverage?	91	79%

7th January 2004 - Sports Massage Therapist
We have received an email from Mick Smirthwaite (LSSM Dip(Sports Massage), SMA) who is a practicing Sports Massage Therapist (SMT) trained at the London School of Sports Massage and a member of the Sports Massage Association. He lives and practices in Plymouth. Any members in the area who would be interested in massage as part of their training regime can contact Mick on Plymouth 01752 206060.

2nd January 2004 - New for 2004 - PHDG Centre of Excellence
The group is currently working to set up a Centre of Excellence for the city which should start in April. The plan is to run Talent Identification sessions at all the secondary schools to select around 100 boys and girls in year 7,8 & 9 to attend the centre. The aim is to also invite boys and girls in year 6 who have been identified from the groups primary coaching programme. More details are available on the Centre of Excellence page.

2nd January 2004 - Thank you to Anne Baker
The PHDG wishes her success in her new post as the National Coaching Development Manager. The group would especially like to take this opportunity to thank Anne for all her hard work since she came in post four years ago. Anne helped enormously to set up the group writing the first hockey development plan for the City. Over the past few years Anne has supported the development work which has taken place in Plymouth assisting the group to gain a number of significant grants.

2nd January 2004 - Primary Mixed Hockey Festival 2004
The 3rd Annual Primary Mixed Hockey Festival will be held on Thursday 10th June at Marjons - Details to be sent out in late January.

2nd January 2004 - Rule changes from 1st January 2004
The following rules will come into international hockey from 1st January 2004. A full Word document from the FIH can be downloaded here, below is a summary of the main points in the document.

1. The fundamental characteristics of the bully have been retained but it has been simplified by requiring sticks to touch only once.

2. The former Rule which specified that a ball must not be raised intentionally so that it lands directly in the circle has been deleted. Wherever it lands, any ball must not be dangerous.

3. The player taking a penalty stroke must start by standing behind and within playing distance of the ball and must not approach either the ball or the goalkeeper after taking the stroke. The former limitation of taking only one step forward has been deleted.

The following rules which have been in use in international hockey since 1st January 2003, came into force in domestic hockey from 1st September 2003.

1. A defender shall be permitted to save a shot at goal which is above shoulder height. At present only goalkeepers are permitted to play the ball with any part of their stick when it is above shoulder height. This will continue to apply in general play throughout the field but the change means that defenders can use their stick to stop or deflect a high shot at goal as long as they do so safely.

2. It will no longer be necessary for attackers to stop the ball before taking a shot at goal at a penalty corner. However, the ball will have to travel outside the circle before a shot can be taken. All other requirements for taking a penalty corner shall continue to apply.

7th October 2003 - Men's indoor league
The deadline for entry into the men's indoor league (see news item below) was 22nd October. View the indoor league section here.

12th September 2003 - New men's indoor league
We are pleased to finally announce after nearly a year in waiting a new men's Indoor League is going to be launched at the end of October/early November. The league will be played at the Kitto Centre in Plymouth on a Wednesday evening from 8pm to 10.30 and run by the Plymouth Hockey Development Group.
Teams are invited to join from clubs or made up of friends. The costs will be as follows:
£25 team entry to cover membership of YMCA Kitto Centre and insurance.
£15 per night per team if playing 2 games, £7.50 per team if playing one game. This will work out at £2.50 per person for 2 games if the team has no subs. This money would be collected on the evening.
Games will be 12 minutes each way with most teams especially those travelling the furthest playing 2 games in an evening. Teams would not play every week, more likely on a fortnightly basis.
If your club or you know of a group of players who would like to make up an indoor team are interested in playing then please contact Jamie Oxley by September 24th at the latest. Entry packs will be available on request. If you know of any umpires who might be interested in umpiring or coaching umpires then please let Jamie Oxley know.

Monday 23rd June 2003 - Primary Mixed 6-a-side festival.
This year's event took place at Marjons and a full report with photographs can be read here.

Brickfields is coming on really well and will be up and running by May if all goes to plan. Programming is taking place as we speak with close contact being kept with Alison Bradley the Facilities manager.

I have spoken to PGs and Mannamead and will be speaking to OPMs and Plym Valley regarding the use of Brickfields. One interesting piece of news is that I have applied for funds to build a club house at Brickfields (outline intention sent). This is through the fund available from Hockey England/Sport England/DCMs for club development. If successful which is around 12-18 months off Brickfields would be a great home for several clubs. The master plan from my end is for several clubs to work together to develop a junior section at Brickfields with the incentive of a potential club house being built in the future. The main issue is for clubs to commit before hand without knowing whether such a facility is to be built.

Sunday 27th July 2003 - Mixed Hockey Summer League 7-a-side tournament
The annual mixed hockey summer league 7-a-side tournament took place at Marjons on Sunday 27th July and was enjoyed by all (except Jason Sweby of OPM Valley who broke his collar bone with a very optimistic challenge on the opposition's goalkeeper). Panthers won the tournament with South Dartmoor finishing runners-up. Photos can be viewed here. Thanks to Tina Phillips for organising another great day and another great year of mixed hockey.

29th June 2003 - Plymouth Junior Club Open Day
Fun Hockey Open Coaching session. 10-12pm open to players aged 6 to 13 of all abilities. The morning session is aimed at attracting new members to the club. Along with the coaching there will also be a number of competitions with hockey prizes up for grabs.There is no charge. For more information contact:
Dave Uden at d_uden@yahoo.com or Mike Timson at Miketimson@btinternet.com.

21st June 2003 - Exmouth - Devon Youth Games
2 U13 teams from the City will be competing against the 9 other districts is a 7 aside boys and girls competition. Simon Fenwick and Hannah Martin are the managers of the 2 teams. Teams will be announced nearer the time.

Thursday 5th June 2003 - Foundation Umpires Award.
For players school years 9 to 13 who are interested in becoming a qualified umpire.
The course is connnected to the Primary School Mixed Hockey Festival on June 5th 2003 @ Marjons, time 10am to 5pm during which the foundation umpires will receive mentored umpire coaching to develop experience and understanding. If you are interested then contact Jamie Oxley by May 29th. Tel: 01752 668198, 07813 666382, jamie@phdg.org.

Thursday 5th June 2003 - Primary Mixed 6-a-side festival.
This year's event took place at Marjons and a full report with photographs can be read here.

February 28th 2003. Read about John Shaw visiting Plymouth on Friday 28th Feb to run a days coaching in the coaching section.

February 16th 2003. Plymouth Boys Junior Invitational U11/U13 Mini tournament at Marjons. Umpires are required for these two tournaments, if you can help please contact Dave Uden.

January 19th 2003. Plymouth Girls Junior Invitational U11/U13 Mini tournament at Marjons.

Hockey England have produced questionnaires designed to help them decide on the future of competitions. Please download the appropriate Microsoft Word document, fill in and send back these questionnaires, the address is on the form.

This half term is set to be a big one with loads going on across the whole city.
The number of schools which the group is working with will be over 30, mainly primary schools.
12 primary staff attended a TOPs hockey training session in Feb which will help provide staff with up to date knowledge.
During half term all the development group coaches from Marjons attended a training evening to ensure good practice when working in schools.
11 members attended a child protection course rescheduled at the last minute on Tuesday, this means that virtually all the coaches in the city working either in schools or in the 2 junior clubs have attended this important course.
A further course is being run on April 15th - to book a place please can you let Jamie Oxley know as he has reserved some places especially for group members.
Coaching days and festivals for both primary and secondary schools are being planned, info to be circulated early next week. Included will be a hockey leaders award and young umpires award.