Introduction to
Youth Hockey
Overview | Player Pathway | Competition Format | Expectations and Commitment
Overview
Welcome to Somerville Youth Club. You will find all the information for Youth Hockey in the following pages, but if you have questions or need further information please get in touch with the Youth Club Captain.
John Williams | Youth Club Captain
somervilleyouthhockey@gmail.com
Somerville Hockey Club provides secondary school-aged students a chance to play in the Auckland Hockey Youth Competition against other Auckland Clubs. This is parallel to and separate from the College Sport schools competitions.
From the 2025 season, youth hockey is for players in Year 9 or above at school, and who are either:
(A) Under 17 on 1 January 2025, or
(B) 17 or over but with playing ability and experience more aligned with youth than senior hockey (club will seek dispensation in these cases).
Games are at turfs across Auckland, from May-August, with breaks for school holidays. Matches are broken into 2 x 30 minute halves with a 5 minute half time.
Youth Player Pathway
Players from Somerville’s previous year’s Junior teams, as well as newcomers to Somerville, are welcome to transition to the Youth Club, provided you are age-eligible (see above).
The Club’s Youth teams are a recognised pathway to the open grade teams. After a number of years in the Youth Club, you may wish to consider transitioning to open grade hockey, and if so we recommend you review the link below to help with your decision making. But you are welcome to stay in Youth hockey, as long as you meet the age criteria described above.
Through the season, youth players may occasionally be asked to fill in for higher graded youth teams, and/or open grade teams. This is a good opportunity for aspiring players to ‘test’ themselves against better youth players and/or more seasoned adults.
Youth Competition Format
For 2025 AHA have announced changes to the youth competition format. The youth grade will now ONLY be played on Sunday morning (no more Friday nights). Once teams are registered there will be grading rounds and then competition rounds in divisions based on ability.
In 2024 Somerville fielded 5 girls and 4 boys teams in the youth competitions.
Expectations & Commitment
Commitment to a team is important to develop responsibility and respect for others. Parents, please factor in hockey commitments when planning family holidays and breaks throughout Terms 2 and 3, and do not register if you cannot commit to being at nearly every practice.
Somerville Youth players should behave in a way which is appropriate, consistent with the standards expected by the Club, and led by the Coach and Manager. The Club expects that players should:
remain committed to the team for the duration of the season
abide by the rules of the sport
play with sportsmanship, with respect for other players, coaches, managers, parents and officials
wear appropriate team uniform (including mouthguards and shinpads), and respect the equipment and facilities at all times
attend meetings, trainings, games and other activities as required, and be punctual
come mentally and physically prepared to positively participate in trainings and matches, to help develop yourself and your team
notify the manager/coach of any inability to participate as soon as possible prior to the playing or training date