History: Valley Academy Mini Hockey was started in 2001 with a group of 12 players. We have expanded to a group of almost 70 players in age groups of Under 8, 10 and 12’s. 2007 will see our first dedicated Under 6 group.

Aims: Valley Academy Mini Hockey aims to build hockey skills in a stimulating, fun yet competitive environment whilst promoting teamwork, sportsmanship and a genuine sense of fair play.

Development: Coaching Programmes, providing a development continuum, overseen by professional coaches from overseas, tournaments and an Under 12 league form the basis of the Valley Academy Package. Extension is available for advanced players along with the options of playing in youth hockey leagues for extra experience.

Sponsors

This year our main Mini hockey sponsor Margaret Muir, joins our club sponsors Crown, Calyon and Igors group. Our thanks to all of them for helping to keep Valley RFC at the forefront of sport and junior Development in Hong Kong.

Coaching session times

Coaching sessions for Under 6, 8, 10 & 12 are normally held on Saturday mornings from 9:00am to 10:00 am at the Happy Valley Number 1 Pitch. Our First session is a FUN HOCKEY and registration day where anyone can come down and try their hand. A few of the sessions may be at a different time or venue. Any changes will be notified to players by email and where possible at coaching sessions, as well as updated on the link below:

Click here to view 2007/2008 MINI HOCKEY COACHING SESSION DATES & TIMES.

Age groups

Age groupings are determined by the player’s age on the 31st of August in that year. For example if a player turns 8 on the 31st of August 2007 they are Under 10 for the 2007/2008 season. If they turn 8 on the 1st of September they are still Under 8 for the season.

From the HKHA Mini Hockey section:

2007/8 Season, the age groups, according to the previous age requirement confirmed by all clubs/schools, will be set as under:
U8 - Born on or after 01/09/1999
U10 - Born on or after 01/09/1997 to 31/08/1999
U12 - Born on or after 01/09/1995 to 31/08/1997
* Player born on 31/08/1995 or before is therefore NOT eligible to play for U12 team.

Tournaments

Some of the Schools and clubs hold annual Mini Hockey tournaments throughout the year for the Under 8, 10 and 12 age groups. These are a great chance for the players to test their newly acquired skills against the other clubs. A full morning and more of Hockey.

Modified rules appropriate to the age and skill level of the groups aim to increase enjoyment and maximize participation.

Click here to view 2007/2008 MINI HOCKEY TOURNAMENT DATES.

Under 12 League

The Under 12 League is played with rules closer to normal senior hockey as a pre cursor to Youth Hockey.
Fixtures are usually played on a Friday at 4:30 to 6:30 pm with possible fixtures on other dates. Games are not played every week but supplement the Under 12 tournaments.

Click here to view 2007/2008 UNDER 12 LEAGUE FIXTURES.

Under 6s

Due to numerous enquiries the 2007/2008 season sees our inaugural Under 6 Mini Hockey group for children who are interested in playing but are a bit small to mix it with the Big Under 8’s. This has been driven by children who come to watch their older brothers & sisters and just can’t wait to get involved.

The Aim of the Under 6’s is participation & basic skills in a fun environment with an emphasis on Fun.

Preferably the players will be 4 or older and maximum parental involvement is encouraged due to the “extra hands on” coaching required.

Over 12

For Players who are 12 or over on the 31st of August the Youth Hockey Programme is available.

Click here to view information about Valley Academy YOUTH HOCKEY.

Fees and registration

Fees are $1200 per year and can be paid in one $1200 or two $600 installments the first in Sept/Oct and the next in January.

Payment can be made by cheque or Bank Transfer. Payment instructions are on the registration form. Please fill in all appropriate boxes, taking care with the email address as this is our primary means of communication. A secondary email would be helpful in case we lose contact on the first.

Please see the link below for the registration form for 2007/2008 Mini Hockey.

Newsletters and updates

The latest information will be sent to players and parents via email along with periodical Newsletters. Newsletters, changes to session times, tournaments or fixtures and will be emailed to players and also posted on this website.

Click here to view 2007/2008 MINI HOCKEY NEWSLETTERS to the latest information letter.

Hockey equipment

At Valley Mini Hockey we all want the players to enjoy their hockey in as safe an environment as possible Shin Guards and Gum Shields/Mouth Guards are mandatory.

Please also bring water bottles and suitable sun protection to each session, game or tournament.

Sticks, Shin Pads, Mouth Guards, Balls, Gloves, if you need equipment our coaching staff will be happy to assist you.

Click here for contact information for our coaches for equipment 2007/2008 VALLEY ACADEMY HOCKEY CONTACT LIST.

Contacts

For Administration, tournament or coaching matters click here for 2007/2008 VALLEY ACADEMY HOCKEY CONTACT LIST.