• ​​​​​​​The U13 Development Programme is open to all players who are under 16 on or after the 1st of January 2023.​​​​​​​
• Players must be attending college
  
• All players will be selected into a team as we will have multiple teams to ensure all players get the opportunity to attend.
• All players and teams will attend the Northern Region Tournament in September
  

Muster/Trial Days

• Rotorua
• Dates & Times TBC

Training Days & Times

• Dates & Times TBC
  • (All venues subject to change after coach appointments & discussions with BOP CFO)

Team Options

• 11 Aside teams
• 5 Aside teams​​​​​​​

$700 per player

​​​​​​​Northern Region U16 Tournaments

Dates:                          September 2024 - TBC

11 Aside Location:      Auckland

5 Aside Location:        Counties

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What is Balance is Better?​

Balance is Better underpins Sport New Zealand’s ​overall approach to youth sport. Hockey NZ is one ​of 15 sports across NZ that signed a “Statement of Intent” with Sport New Zealand to ensure there are quality opportunities for all participants.  ​

Balance is Better is to help bring the focus back to why young people play sport – to have fun, be challenged, develop and improve, be part of a team or group, and enjoy time with friends. ​

The Balance is Better campaign also hopes to address the 3 Myths of Youth Sport ​

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What are the reason kids are dropping out?​

Kids are speaking with their feet. National data shows that too many young New Zealanders, especially in their teenage years are walking away from sport.​

While there are a variety of reasons kids leave sport, Sport NZ have identified the main issues contributing to declining participation rates:​

• Specialising too early in one sport​

• Being expected to play like professionals​

• Believing that you have make the top team or rep’ team​

• Adult pressure to “be the best” and not make mistakes ​

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What are the 3 Myths of Youth Sport ​

Myth 1: Early Specialization is good ​

Reality: This can lead to athlete burn-out and overuse injuries. ​

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Myth 2: Childhood success leads to adult success​

Reality: Children develop at different rates mentally and physically, some much later in their teenage years. Meaning that success in childhood is not an indicator of success in adulthood.​

​

Myth 3: Successful athletes focus on winning ​

Reality: This is a problem for young people, it is a chance to develop mentally, develop coping mechanisms and it could affect their overall motivation to take part. ​

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What is Bay of Plenty Hockey doing?​

Bay of Plenty Hockey Association is committed to ensuring all young people who play Hockey receive a quality experience, irrespective of the level at which they are involved. We will work with our parents, whanau, managers, coaches, and volunteers to make sure our kids can develop in a fun and safe environment. We acknowledge the importance of keeping fun in the game, prioritising sport participation and nurturing talent at the right pace. ​

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For more information:​

Please check out the Keep up with the Play https://keepupwiththeplay.org.nz/ or Balance is Better websites https://balanceisbetter.org.nz/​