U15 Talent Development Programme
Who is involved?
The under 15 TDP includes talented boys and girls from Clubs and Schools affiliated to Ulster Hockey. Teachers and coaches are invited to nominate their talented players at U15 age group around mid September. From this list each player is invited to an assessment day in October. Each player is assessed across different exercises and given an overall score.
Successful boys and girls are notified via an email to their parents as to whether they have been successful in gaining a place or not. A lot more players are nominated than places available so there is often disappointment at this stage.
When does it take place?
The programme takes place over 12 weeks, usually on Sundays. 6 weeks before Christmas and 6 weeks post, finishing up in March each year. Sessions are 2 hours in duration. Around 120 girls and 90 boys take part. In January we hold a parents information session to outline what the rest of the year may look like for those players who may go on to play at Ulster under 16 age group level.
At the end of the programme each player is provided with some written feedback.
Those who are young enough to have another year on the programme the following season are automatically issued an invite back and are not required to attend assessment.
Where does it take place?
The programme takes place across 4 regions. In 2023/24 the venues were UUJ, Wallace HS, NICS Playball, Coleraine and Cookstown HC.
Want to know more information?
Contact Ulster Hockey Talent Coach Shirley McCay Shirley.mccay@ulsterhockey.com