The Altona Hockey Club Junior Development Program
Developing Junior Hockey Players in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne.
In 2024 the Altona Hockey Club has invested heavily in the junior development program to help all juniors develop as players and as people.
The program runs each Monday and is for juniors of all skill levels from 8 to 18 years old. The format of the sessions revolves around multiple small activities to learn the skills of hockey from basic through to advanced.
More details on the program below, no need to book – you can just turn up any Monday night, and speak to Junior Development Coordinator Naish McDonald who has been appointed to run the program in 2024.
Our high level, paid coaches ensure there is always a good ratio of coaches to children, enjoyment and skill development.
About the Program
All coaches have higher level hockey experience – Andrew, Jess, Heath, Naish and Jacob all representing either Victoria or Australia at either Indoor, Outdoor or Hockey 5’s, and Beth is an overseas player from the UK, playing a high level for multiple sides in the UK and the England Universities team.
The program itself is designed by our Premier League Coaches, Greg Drake and Danielle Schubach. Both have had success at all levels of hockey, starting as Altona juniors all the way through to International hockey and have designed the program for the maximum enjoyment of all kids, meaning lots of time with the hockey ball, no waiting around in queues and no long coach talks.
After his playing career, Greg has spent many years coaching Altona Premier League, before progressing to both State and then International level with stints as assistant coach of the Japanese and Canadian National teams, and Head Coach of the USA Women’s Hockey Team.
Danielle was named the Victorian Viper of the decade prior to the branding of the team being moved to HC Melbourne, and represented the Hockeyroos on multiple tours. She is now considered one of the best upcoming coaches in Victoria.
This club based junior development model that puts Altona Hockey Club at the forefront of junior coaching in Victoria.
The junior development model provides:
- Coordinated and structured skill development over multiple seasons at designated skill development training sessions for all junior players
- A higher ratio of coaches to players (typically 1:6) at each skill development training session
- Access to specialist coaches (including goal keeper coaches) for the teaching of skills
- Greater flexibility in training to mix and match skill levels, ages and genders to meet development needs of individuals
- Identification of talented players for additional ‘AHC fast track’ training
- Specific preparation for those trialing for representative teams
- Support for junior team coaches
- Better transition between juniors and seniors
- Coordinated management of training loads.
For junior players at the AHC, the implementation of this model means:
- Increased learning opportunities resulting in more efficient development
- Consistent access to advice from current senior players and highly credentialed coaches
- Fast paced, coordinated and fun training sessions
- Greater potential for inclusion in Hockey Victoria’s representative teams and the AHC’s Premier League men’s and women’s teams.
Find all of the latest AHC news
Read on below for all of the news from the Altona Hockey Club.
Mathew Higgins inducted into Greater Shepparton Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Mathew Higgins who is being inducted into the Greater Shepparton Sports Hall of Fame.
HC Melbourne Selection for Otterbach and Burns
Congratulations Cooper Burns & Connar Otterbach on their selection in the HC Melbourne Squad and Nye Roberts in his selection in the Development Squad.
AHC Live Stream vs TEM HC – Round 7 2021
In the middle of COVID Restrictions this was our first ever Premier League home game with no crowd, check out all of the highlights from two cracking Premier League games against TEM HC.
2021 Women’s Round Wrap-Up
What an incredible day! We raised more than $1,300 towards WomenCan Fundraising and their Save the Box campaign.
2011-2020 Legends Induction
For our first home games of 2021 in April we had a very special evening to welcome a new cohort of Altona Hockey Club Legends from the decade from 2011 to 2020.
Hookin2Hockey and Free Come & Try for 2021
Free Come & Try for hockey! On Monday the 1st of March at 5.30pm, the perfect introduction for primary school aged children to the game of hockey. The Altona Hockey Club has an 8-week program of Hookin2Hockey with the first week a free come and try session...
COVID-19 Update from the Altona Hockey Club
COVID-19 Update from the Altona Hockey ClubView the Altona Hockey Club's latest COVID-Safe Plan, updated 13th of June, 2021. Including links to all relevant reference material from the Hobsons Bay City Council, the Victorian Government and Hockey Victoria.Update 20th...
2021 AHC Social Summer Hockey
2021 AHC Social Summer HockeyStarting Wednesday 20th January, 2021 and running for 7 weeks, introducing AHC Social Summer. Mixed social summer hockey for open age players, only $5 per player and just turn up on the night with a blue and white shirt - put your name on...
Greg Drake appointed Women’s USA National Team Assistant Coach
Greg Drake appointed Women's USA National Team Assistant Coach Congratulations to Greg Drake who has been appointed the USA Field Hockey Women's Assistant Coach. Since finishing his distinguished playing career and long stints as both the Men's Premier League and...
Vale Ross Ford
Vale Ross Ford 27th December, 2020Just prior to Christmas we had some very sad news that Ross Ford, much-loved member of the AHC since 1961 has passed away. Our sincere condolences to the entire Ford family. We wanted to take this opportunity to share some memories of...
2020 Locked Down Trivia Night!
2020 Locked Down Trivia Night!We are coming to the end of lockdown in Melbourne (hopefully!), and Locked Down Trivia have been running all through lockdown and coming to the end of their season.The AHC Trivia Night is normally one of our biggest nights of...
2020 Winter Season Cancelled
2020 Winter Season Cancelled Hi to all members, I’m sure many of you have already heard that Hockey Victoria have confirmed that the 2020 winter season has been officially cancelled for all teams. It’s not the news we wanted, and a shame that we cannot get...
AHC Isolation Challenge
AHC Isolation Challenge Sport as we know it is off the cards for a little while, so we want to make sure that you can still practice your skills and have some fun at home. We want everyone to join in, so send a video or else tag us on Instagram @altonahc...
Vale Norm Hunter
Vale Norm Hunter January 2, 2020 It is with sadness that we announce that Norm Hunter passed away late in 2019. Norm was a longstanding member of the club, including as captain of the pictured 1960 B Grade Premiership team including Life Members John Bartlett, Cyril...
Altona celebrates inaugural Pride Cup
Altona celebrates inaugural Pride Cup On Sunday the Altona Hockey Club hosted its inaugural Pride Cup to celebrate inclusivity and acceptance of the LGBTQI community as they faced Southern United in crucial Premier League clashes. The Men and Women played in an...
Summer Hockey for Juniors at Altona
Check out all of the details below for a free come & try day for Hookin2Hockey as well as the Junior Summer Series running throughout February! Contact [email protected] if you have any questions, or we'll see you down at the club soon - all...
Premier League Coaching in 2019
At the conclusion of the 2018 season, both Greg Drake and Ben Newell stepped down from their respective roles as the Women's and Men's Premier League coaches. Tracey Drake is also stepping down from her role as Assistant. Greg has been in charge of the women for 5...
Danni Schubach selected in historic Victorian Vipers All-Star Team
Danni Schubach selected in historic Victorian Vipers All-Star TeamDanielle Schubach has been recognised by Hockey Victoria as one of the best Victorian Vipers players in their 26 year history, selected in the midfield in an absolutely star-studded line-up for the...
Come & Try, Hookin2Hockey and Summer Games
SUMMER STICK2HOCKEY PROGRAM Small games and activities for under 8 and under 10 players Thursday Nights from 6:00 to 7:00pm at the Altona Hockey Club *COME & TRY 18TH OCTOBER, 2018* Dates: 25th of October to 13th of December, 2018 New and existing players...
Junior Intra-Club Games & Training for 2018
Junior training is underway from the 9th of April! Apologies for the delay, the pitch is now completely fixed and ready for a big season with full details on training times listed below. Coming up this Friday night and Saturday morning is the Junior Intra-Club Cup:...
2018 Junior Season Launch
The Altona Hockey Club Junior Season Launch evening is next Thursday, the 22nd March. The BBQ will be going, the uniform shop will be open for business and it will be an opportunity to find out about what is happening around the club. See you there!
2018 $5,000 Draw
After a couple of years off we are back with the best reverse raffle in tow - with a total prize pool of $5,000 available to win! Tickets: $100 – allows entry for 2 people including food & free drinks for 3 hours during the draw Date & Time: Starts...
Steve Campbell plays his 200th Premier League game
Steve Campbell plays his 200th Premier League game 4th August 2017 This weekend club legend Steve Campbell is playing his 200th SL1/Premier League game for the Altona Hockey Club. Known for his fearless and uncompromising play on the field, Steve has been a leader...
Revive Physiotherapy & Pilates Sponsorship
We are proud to announce a brand new Silver Sponsor, Revive Physiotherapy and Pilates in Altona North. They are there for all of your physiotherapy needs, including offering a special rate for Altona Hockey Club members! Revive Physiotherapy and Pilates opened...
2017 Juniors Season Launch
Our 2017 Junior Season Launch is coming up on the 23rd of February! The perfect place for all junior parents to get information on the upcoming season. For any questions or information contact [email protected].
Now Recruiting – Premier League Assistant Coach
The Altona Hockey Club is now recruiting for an Assistant Coach for our Men’s Premier League team. This is an exciting opportunity to assist coaching a MPL group that has been pushing finals for the last few years, driven by a great young group of players and core...
Taylah Brennan plays her 100th game
This weekend Taylah Brennan is playing her 100th game for the AHC, becoming the 6th woman to do so, and incredibly the other 5 will also be joining her on the field on Saturday! We asked Taylah a few questions about her career so far. First started playing hockey: 4...
Altona Bowling Club Partnership
Bowled over by sponsorship The Altona Bowling Club has now come on board on as a sponsor of the Altona Hockey Club. The sponsorship provides a great benefit to the hockey club and our members. The club will allocate the sponsorship funds directly to facility...
Seagulls Overrun at the Snakepit
Altona has relinquished a 1-0 half-time lead to go down 5-1 to Powerhouse-St. Kilda in the first game of the Premier League season. The A's started well, controlling possession for the first few minutes before the first half settled down to an even affair. Powerhouse...
A’s off to Flying Start
Altona’s Womens Premier League side had their best start to a season in recent years on the weekend, overcoming Mentone 3-1 in front of a great crowd J.K. Grant Reserve. The game didn’t go all the Seagulls way with Mentone taking a lead 20 minutes into the first half,...
2016 Juniors News & Important Dates
NO JUNIOR TRAINING DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Training resumes Monday 11th of April Junior Skills Development Sessions Commence Monday 11th of April 5:00-6:00pm - U/10's & U/12(Option) 6:15-7:15pm - U12(Option), U/14 & U16 PRACTICE MATCHES & BBQ Friday 22nd...
Introduction of League Entry Criteria
On Wednesday, 2nd of December 2015, the HV Board approved the League Entry Criteria to be implemented from season 2017. I am writing to the club members to advise of this new approach to Premier League and Vic League competitions from the 2016 season. Three years ago...
PRESENTING…the 2015 AHC Fundraising Gala
The Altona Hockey Club Fundraising Gala is back in 2015! We have a night full of entertainment, ranging from a World Cup playing Matilda, Western Bulldogs stars (including the All-Australian captain) to an international comedian. Join us at the Substation in Newport...
O45’s Bounce Back with Big Win
The A's Over 45s bounced back to a big score on Monday night with a 7-0 scoreline against Powerhouse at Albert Park in the rain. Without 2 of our sharpshooters (i.e. David Stiles hanging out with the younger folk in the Over 35s team and Peter Symons unavailable), we...
Women’s Premier League take down TEM
Round 8 saw the A girls match up against an always competitive foe T.E.M. Looking for that so far elusive home game win, the girls went out ready to give everything they had for the Snakepit crowd. The play was even for the first 15 minutes with both teams looking to...
Altona take down MCC in Tuesday night thriller
by Phoebe Rothfield Altona’s Premier League girls were coming off a strong win against Footscray when they faced MCC on a cold and wet Tuesday night at the SNHC. MCC were coming off a surprising loss to TEM during their weekend game and had a day less to recover for...