CoachForce Hockey PDF Print E-mail

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CoachForce is a major and vital part of Otago Hockey.  All development of coaches and players is coordinated and facilitated through Mark Smithells, the CoachForce Development Officer for hockey in Otago.  Mark also delivers a number of programmes on behalf of Hockey New Zealand within our region.

Click here for Mark's profile and contact details.

The CoachForce programme covers the entire Otago region and involves courses, clinics, seminars, and school visits not only in Dunedin, but also throughout Central Otago and the Clutha and Waitaki Districts.


web junior grassCurrently Otago hockey is experiencing significant growth and outstanding results across a number of key areas.  We now have a pool of very skilled and experienced coaches, umpires, and administrators along with an effective strategic plan which clearly meets the needs of the sport in Otago.


Our men's and women's teams are back in the National League First Division and the number of age group players selected for National Training squads is increasing.  This augurs well for the future of the sport in Otago.


A list of upcoming events in the sport of hockey can be found by selecting hockey on the Sport Otago Calendar. To find a list of hockey clubs within Otago, click here for the Otago Hockey Association website.


Comprehensive and regularly updated information on the sport of hockey in Otago including draws, results, rep teams and fixtures, web hockeynews, and photos can be found at the Otago Hockey Association's Official Website


Coaches or teachers looking for games or drills for their team can click here for some examples from Hockey New Zealand, along with lots of other useful information you can download.


You may also like to check out some of the following sites:


 

Coach Education Courses 2010

A new coaching structure from Hockey NZ is now in place.  All previous qualifications - including Kiwi Coaching, Getting Started In Coaching and Level 1 - are still valid for four years from the date of completion.  The new courses are as follows:

  • Smallsticks 1 : 5 - 8 year olds
  • Smallsticks 2 : 9 - 12 year olds
  • Youth : Secondary
  • Club : Club and Representative
All courses cost $25, (ask you school or club for support), and on completion you will be presented with a comprehensive resource folder and a password to the 'Sportplan' website which gives you access to drills, activities, etc.  To keep your new and former qualifications valid, one extenstion module per year must be completed.


For those interested in gaining the new Hockey NZ accreditation, please register with Mark Smithells at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 03 474 6345 for the courses below which are taking place at the Alexander McMillan Turf in Dunedin.

  • Club coach : Sunday 2 May 9.00am - 1.00pm.
  • Smallsticks 1 : Sunday 9 May, 9.00am - 12.00pm.
  • Smallsticks 2 : Sunday 16 May, 9.00am - 12.00pm.
  • Youth Coach : Sunday 20 May, 9.00am - 1.00pm.
Pre-enrolment and pre-payment of course fees is essential.  You you need further information feel free to contact me.

Mark Smithells
CoachForce Hockey