EH Single System

Hockey in England has evolved over many years and has many historical boundaries, systems and competitions that make the hockey landscape a complicated one. Currently, the pathway varies enormously, not only between boys and girls, but also from region to region and county to county. For example, a fourteen year old living in Exeter would have a different experience moving through the pathway to a similar player living in Hull. The purpose of the Single System is to make opportunities for participants fair, equitable. and consistent. It is to ensure that a suitable level of coaching and competition is offered for people at the appropriate stage of their development and to maximise the chance they have of fulfilling their potential whether that potential is as a club or international player, coach or official.

A Junior Development Centre (JDC) is a local training centre for the U13 to U17 age groups. JDCs are open to any hockey player who has been nominated by their club, school or coach.

A Junior Academy Centre (JAC) is a training centre for the U13 to U17 age groups. JACs are open to any hockey player who has been nominated by a Junior Development Centre (JDC) coach.

A Junior Regional Performance Centre (JRPC) is a training centre for the U15, U16, U17 and U18 age groups which, from 2009/10, will be open to anyone who has successfully come through assessment from a Junior Academy Centre (JAC) or who has previously been involved in National Age Group Squads (NAGS) activity.

National Age Group Squads (NAGS) represent England at U16, U18 and U21 level. The U16 and U18 squads are selected at the England Hockey Futures Cup. Selection for one of these squads is the highest honour that junior hockey players can attain.

For more information on the Single System for Hockey within Kent please contact Jon Rye, Director of Hockey or more information on the national perspective please take a look at the England Hockey website.