Playing in senior league hockey is an ambition of many junior players. At CCHC (as well as England Hockey), we believe taking part in senior hockey is a key part of a junior player's development and it is encouraged but not expected. Junior players are present in all teams across the club (over 70 represented the club last season at all levels of senior competition) and in turn make a significant contribution to the club’s competitive achievements.
We even have several parent and child combinations in some senior teams.
However, the transition to senior hockey needs to be done in a managed way, balancing the needs of the senior teams and the junior player and in line with the Right Athlete, Right Environment (RARE) principles from England Hockey.
The time and level at which a junior plays senior hockey will vary for each individual, depending on their aspiration, experience and capability. To make this judgement, we must be able to build and maintain a whole view of the player’s ambition and performance. We cannot build this view if the junior plays their age group hockey at another club so for juniors to be eligible for senior hockey training and selection, they must also commit to any age group hockey being with CCHC.
We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.