Ulster Under 16
Who is involved?
At the end of the U15 TDP the Head coach of each group gives each player an assessment in the form of written feedback and a score according to how they rate their potential to represent Ulster at under 16 age level.
Those who are to the fore of each group are invited to a trial day. This usually occurs around the start of April. Around 40 boys and 40 girls attend the trial and around 25 places are issued to each squad. All selections and information is provided via email to parents.
When and where does the group train?
Those who make the squad usually are asked to train twice a week, beginning around mid April. One session is usually in Lisburn and the other around Newtownabbey for the girls, and Banbridge/Lisburn and Belfast for the boys. We try to cater in terms of geography as best we can.
Who coaches the squad?
The Ulster Hockey coaching committee usually advertise and select the coaches via interview.
Who does the team usually play against?
In June a squad is picked to play a 3 match series v Scotland, either in Glasgow or Belfast. There is also a series v the UK Lions in Belfast around August time. Finally, Ulster participate in Hockey Ireland’s annual Interprovincial tournament which takes place around late September.
Note that the exact same squad will not necessarily play in every series. The decision lies with the head coach.
Want to know more information?
Please see the infographic below for an idea of the process from U15 TDP to Ulster Under 16.
If you have any queries please contact Ulster Hockey Talent Coach Shirley McCay Shirley.mccay@ulsterhockey.com
