A Proven Pathway to Success

Sevenoaks Hockey Club has a long track record in developing players who go on to play at the highest levels. Many of our juniors have progressed through the England Hockey Talent Pathway and into national squads. In fact, our current Men’s and Women’s National League teams include both former and current juniors who have reached these levels through our development structure.

On any given weekend, you can watch current and future international stars playing at
Hollybush—proof of the strength of our junior programme and the opportunities available to young players at the club.

How Does Player Development Work at SHC?

Our junior programme is designed to provide structured development, with opportunities at all levels:
• Mini Hockey (Years 1-7) – Weekly training, triangular tournaments, and optional additional sessions.
• Junior Hockey (Years 8-11) – League matches, England Hockey Cup competitions, and continuous assessment for squad placements.
• Senior Hockey Pathway (Ages 13+) – For players ready to integrate into adult hockey, based on coach recommendations.

How Do Nominations for the England Hockey Pathway Work?

The process for nominations is outlined below:
1. Summer Term – Club coaches nominate players (Years 7-11) to attend Development Centre (DC) camps.
2. Autumn Term – DC coaches nominate selected players for County trials. County players from last season re-trial. County teams are U13, U14, U15, U16 and U17
3. Termly – County coaches, club coaches, and schools nominate the highest potential county-standard players (Years 10 – 13) to Talent Academies (TA).
4. End of July – Talent Academy Festival scouts identify players for England trials.
5. Summer Term – Clubs and schools nominate non-TA players for England trials.

Who Gets Nominated?
Nominations are based on:
• Technical hockey skills (ball control, passing, movement)
• Decision-making & tactical awareness
• Physical ability & readiness
• Emotional and social readiness

There is no set number of players who are put forward—each nomination is based on individual merit and development progression.

For more details, please refer to the attached Junior Player Development document. If you have any further questions, feel free to get in touch.