Training takes place every Sunday from 5th Sep to 10th April 2011. 

Exceptions are as follows:-No training 24th October, 31st October, 12th Dec to 2nd January, 20th February or 27th February.  However, plaese note that backlog league matches may need to be scheduled on the February weekends.

We are still actively looking for a 2nd pitch so that we can pull the U14 training times to an earlier slot - so if we find that pitch, we will change the times during the season!

Note that training is arranged around school class / year.  These times may change for the U14 & U16 groups when the teams have been selected at the end of September.

U14s & U16s : On 5th Sep a 7-a-side tournament will be run. Please arrive early to check your team. The U16 tournament will be from 11:30 to 13:30 (registration at 11:15) and the U14 tournament will be from 13:30 to 15:30 (registration at 13:15). 

For 2010/11 Season MHC is introducing additional coaching sessions for the U12 group.  These sessions are optional and will run on a Thursday evening from 18:30 to 19:30 in the Teresians School.  The cost per player will be €60 for 10 weeks. The focus of the sessions will be skills development.    

The coaches will be the current U16 coaches – Rob & Rixi.  From time to time we will supplement the coaching team with other club coaches.

The sessions will cater for approximately 20 players with preference given to 6th class. 

Please note that there will be no supervision for children dropped before 18:15hrs and all children must be collected promptly at 19:30hrs.   At least one parent will be asked to stay each evening to help with supervision and they will need to wait if someone is not collected on time.

We will review the initiative at the end of November and would welcome all feedback. 

To secure a place for your child please complete the attached form and return it to Ann Ronan at hockey training on the 5^th Sep.  Please enclose a cheque for €60 made payable to Muckross Hockey Club.

U12 Training Sessions

Dates: 23^rd October to 26^th October 2010

The Tour Package Includes:

ü               Return Ferry Transfer from Dublin to Holyhead.

ü               Return Hire of Luxury Bus for Full Duration of Tour from Hockey Club.

ü               3 Nights Accommodation in a City Centre 3* Hotel.

ü               Full Hot Cooked Breakfast served on all mornings.

ü               Dinner served on all evenings for Group.

ü               2 Training Sessions with Top County Hockey Coaches.

ü               2 Matches for each team against Competitive Top Hockey Clubs / Schools.

ü               Comprehensive Travel Insurance for Tour.

ü               Guided City Tour.

ü               ½ Day for Shopping!!

Supervision and Participation:

The tour is expected to be fun for all and we are expecting good matches and high intensity training sessions.  Players will be expected to comply with the code of conduct at all times – especially by adhering to the “in room curfew time” and “lights out time” each evening.  Our intention is to travel with a minimum of 4 adults, whose expenses will be covered by the tour party.

As the costs of the trip are being equally divided between the players, any drop outs will result in an increased cost for each player (or a reduction in subsidy available following fund-raising activities).

As expressions of interest were predominantly one group – it has been decided that the tour will be aimed at the current 3rd Years.  It may be appropriate to include additional (CLUB) players to make up numbers in the event of a late cancellation.

Costs & Fundraising:

The cost of the trip per player (assuming 22 players travelling) is €400.  If the number of applicants exceed capacity, then a draw/selection may be required.  Please note that “new members” for 2010/11 season are also being offered the opportunity to take part in the trip.

Extra money will be required to cover lunch & snacks etc.

All travelling players will be expected to

ü   support fund-raising activities which are currently in planning

ü   wear full Muckross Club match uniform for both matches – so will need 2 x polo shirts & 2 x club socks and 1 x club skort.  Hoody is also required for warm-up/down

ü    wear Muckross Club tracksuit and jacket to and from training sessions and matches.

Balance Payments

Balance payment of €200 is due on 5th September.  Please make cheques payable to Muckross Hockey Club.

MHC Juniors start back training on Sunday 5th September. 

Please keep a close eye on the website throughout the season for news, updates and training/match notices.

Teamer will continue to be used to schedule training and match sessions.  Please ensure that you respond to Teamer messages by return or you may be de-selected from that event.

Remember also that all players must wear a gum-shield and shin guards for both training and matches.  Players on U14 & U16 teams involved in defending penalty corners will also be expected to wear face masks for the forthcoming season.  

Players are expected to train and play matches in the club uniform - refer to the Uniform and Equipment page. http://www.muckrosshc.com/colts/?cat=8  Note also that Ed Sports will be taking orders and selling gear at training on 12th September. 

Training Times

Please note times on the “Training Notices” page - http://www.muckrosshc.com/colts?cat=3  The Under 12s should also take note of the additional training available (refer http://www.muckrosshc.com/colts/?cat=20) and return forms on 5th September if interested in taking part.   

Supervision

Every parent will be allocated a supervision slot except those parents who are already involved in coaching, managing or administration. Supervisors are required for U16s and U14s.  This is for the protection of both coaches and children and is in line with the Code of Ethics for Young Children in Sport.

The supervisor does a roll-call, has emergency contact numbers available in the event of an injury and ensures that children who go to the toilet return in good time!  The supervisor also ensures (just by their presence) that the players are affording the coaches the appropriate respect and attention. 

One parent per class group will be asked to organise the rota.

MHC Youth Development Programme

Between 8 and 10 transition year students can be accommodated on the Muckross HC Youth Devleopment Programme. Further details area available under the general information category: http://www.muckrosshc.com/colts/?cat=19.  Applications must be received by 12th September 2010

If a player does not reply within 2 days to a teamer invite, they may be de-selected from the team at the discretion of the coach and team manager.  Most teams are over-subscribed and if you do not reply to a teamer then you are impacting on one of your fellow players who is waiting for a selection notice.

U14 and U16

Teams are selected based on ability at these age groups.  The selection committee consider both playing position and ability as part of the process. Other factors include attendance, focus at training and general commitment to the club.  It is possible to be moved up or down a team as the season progresses.

U8/U10/U12

While there are no formal leagues at U8/10/12 sections we still use Teamer to invite players to sessions - this is because from time to time other clubs cannot cope with our numbers and we need to split the groups.  Also at this level we are sometimes asked to group players according to equal ability or mixed ability so it becomes necessary to have some light selection.

-          Coaching

-          Leadership

-          Umpiring

In the past players have been able to use the programme as a credit towards their GAISCE awards.

Students will be included in Irish Hockey Youth Volunteer programmes which will also provide training for the students in coaching, umpiring and leadership skills.

Coaching – Players go on an “Introduction to Coaching Hockey” course and are expected to coach the U8 & U10 players in the club on a weekly basis throughout the season.  There is a gap between the U8/10 session and the U16 session to allow the players to write up their session notes and receive feedback from the Age Group Manager on their performance. 

The Introduction to Coaching Course will be Certified by Irish Hockey and is a pre-requisite for Level 1 Coaching Qualifications in the future

Leadership – Youth Development Players will be expected to support Muckross HC organised tournaments and also to represent Muckross at Regional and Irish level tournaments.  At these tournaments they will be fulfilling a number of roles including Team managers, pitch managers, registration, results co-ordination etc.  At all times the players are expected to act as a role models for the younger members in the club

Umpiring – an introduction to Umpiring course will be provided both as part of the Irish Hockey programme and from within MHC.  Players will initially be asked to umpire U8/10/12 games – and also to umpire training games for U14s.

Applications

Players are normally expected to be playing hockey at Junior A/B or Senior I/II level in order to be considered for this programme – they will need to be able to demonstrate skills to young players and spot incorrect techniques in the younger players.

 Applications should be made in writing by 12th September to Ann Ronan – muckrosscolts@gmail.com

All enquiries re applications should be directed to mhcmembership@gmail.com

The application process will be open during January 2011 - please keep an eye on our website for details.

Runners-Up Deirdre Ennis 2010

The Deirdre Ennis Shield competition is an annual invitation tournament run by Muckross Hockey Club for Under 12 players (or those still in 6th class at the time of the event). The tournament is typically the players’ first introduction to competitive hockey in thier clubs as generally cross club competitions are of mixed ability teams.  However, clubs enter their top selection of players for this event. That said – the emphasis should at all times be on fun, participation and learning.

Teams are encouraged to bring their own umpires and to treat the event as a good way for gaining experience and training – Supporters, teams and coaches will naturally be encouraged this aspect of the tournament.

In addition, the tournament is set up in such a way that all teams should continue to be involved until the last 2 rounds of the event.

Deirdre Ennis taught hockey in both Muckross School and Club many years ago… she was a great influence on the current “older generation” in the club – teaching them how to love the game of hockey, and that there is a grace to both winning and losing. Emer O’Brien can remember being taught by Ms. Ennis and what an influence she had on her. The tournament was set up by Emer some years ago – and it is hoped that while the girls enjoy the event, that the competition side will not take over fully.

Katie Ronan (captain) and Moya Ryan (Club president)

The annual Deirdre Ennis Shield took place on Sunday 21st March 2010.  In all 16 teams took part - representing 14 clubs across Ireland (well done to Yeats who travelled from Sligo!).  Mount Anville were the eventual winners, beating the Muckross development squad (Muckross Tigers) 1-0.

The following clubs took part in the event in 2010 - Bray, Genesis, Malahide, Loreto, Railway, Our Ladies, Alex, Corinthians, Mount Anville,  Yeats, Avoca, Hermes, Pembroke and of course Muckross. 

Teams were divided into 4 sections, and following the first series of round robins - Muckross topped three sections, with Mount Anville taking the honours in the 4th.  Cross over matches with the runners up in the sections - Genesis, Corinthians, Railway and Avoca produced just one winner - the Muckross Tigers. 

A hockey skills relay race was run off to decide who would advance through to the semi-finals.  Mount Anville and Corinthians were clear winners against Avoca and the Muckross Bears. The Railway/Muckross Lions race had to be repeated after a dubius Muckross win in the first race.  Railway were very unfortunate with their last leg and were just pipped by the Lions. 

Many thanks to all the coaches and umpires who took gave their time today to make for a very special end of season for all the players involved.   Thanks also to event sponsors Sportways and the Compass Group.  If you are looking for more hockey - check out the Sportways website for details of their summer camps.  http://www.sportways.ie/new/index.php?oid=22

The competition ran off very smoothly - with 15 clubs taking part.  Both Muckross teams - the Dolphins and Tigers went through to the play-offs and were beaten by Avoca and Mt Anville respectively.  Pembroke and Corinthians met in a closely fought semi-final, Pembroke eventually winning on sudden death “penalty pushes”.  Avoca and Mt Anville had an equally close semi-final, which also went into a penalty competition - with Mt Anville taking very solid pushes to steer them to the finals.

Congratulations to all the teams who took part in the competition - the standard was very high and sets the girls up well for next season when many will move to the U14 league structures.