WELCOME TO KETTERING HOCKEY CLUB JUNIOR ACADEMY
Our Junior Academy provides a pathway for young players to develop their hockey skills, from their very first introduction to the sport through to representing Kettering Hockey Club — and potentially progressing to senior hockey.

Our ambition is to make the KHC Junior Academy a centre of excellence for junior hockey, providing fun, engaging and inclusive sessions that encourage young players to enjoy the sport, build confidence and continually strive to be their best.

Who can join?
We coach players from Reception through to Year 9, supporting each player as they develop their skills and confidence.

From Year 8 onwards, players may have the opportunity to train and play with our senior teams when the coaches feel they are ready. This can be a fantastic step in their development, helping players gain valuable experience, build confidence and make the transition into senior hockey.

From our experience, our junior players really enjoy this opportunity and many progress through the senior squads quickly. Ultimately, our aim is to support every player in reaching their full potential, whatever level of hockey they aspire to play.

Where and when do we train?
Training takes place on the astroturf pitch at Bishop Stopford School, Headlands, Kettering, NN15 6BJ.

Training: Tuesdays, 6.00pm–7.00pm
Season: September to March
2026/27 season: Training starts Tuesday 8 September

Matches & Festivals
Players of all ages have the opportunity to take part in Sunday morning tournaments and festivals against other local clubs, normally held around once a month.

These are friendly, fun and very popular events, giving our juniors the opportunity to put their skills into practice, experience competitive hockey and enjoy playing as part of a team.

Home festivals are held at Bishop Stopford School, while away fixtures are generally within approximately 20 miles of Kettering.

What should my child wear and bring?
Players should wear:

• Trainers or hockey footwear suitable for astroturf — no studs or blades
• Shin pads, ideally
• Comfortable sports clothing appropriate for the weather
• A drink or bottle of water
We have plenty of hockey sticks available to borrow, so there is no need to purchase one before your child has tried the Academy. Gum shields are also advisable, particularly for players taking part in matches and festivals.

How much does it cost?
Junior Academy training costs £6.50 per session, payable by cash or card.

This includes:

• Insurance
• England Hockey membership
• Kettering Hockey Club Junior Academy membership
We also offer pay-up-front packages through our website for families who prefer this option.

Goalkeeper Training
We are also pleased to offer dedicated junior goalkeeper training on Tuesday evenings.

A dedicated goalkeeper coach is part of our coaching team and is present most weeks. Young players who are interested in learning the art of goalkeeping receive a combination of specialist goalkeeper coaching alongside opportunities to train with the wider group.

Whether your child is an experienced goalkeeper or simply interested in giving it a try, we are keen to encourage players to explore this exciting position.

Come and Join Us!
We hope this information gives you everything you need to know before coming along and experiencing the Kettering Hockey Club Junior Academy for yourself.

Most importantly, we want our juniors to enjoy their hockey, make friends, develop their skills and grow in confidence.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at:

operations@ketteringhockeyclub.co.uk