Fun Sticks (Year 1 & 2) $60 for 12 Weeks
FunSticks is a Waikirikiri run programme. Our FunSticks programme introduces kids to the basics of hockey through small activities and games. Fun Sticks is held at Foster Park on a Friday afternoon from 4:00pm - 5:00pm. This is an awesome way for kids to try out hockey for the first time and we are flexible in ensuring everyone has the best experience possible. No uniform is required for this grade, players need to come equipped with shin pads and a mouthguard. We have a number of hockey sticks they can use, or they may wish to bring their own.
Mini Sticks (Year 3 & 4) $170/season
Mini Sticks is a Year 3 & 4 grade played on either a Friday evening or Saturday morning. Mini Sticks teams can be either single gender or mixed gender on both days. They play on ¼ turf for 3 periods of 12 minutes, with 6 players on the field at a time. We expect teams will be made up of 9-10 players to allow for fair playing time, sickness cover and meaningful training sessions. This grade is designed to introduce kids into game play either transitioning from the fun sticks programme or being new to the sport. We aim to place players in their respective school year allowing them to progress through the grades with a similar core group of players. Mini Sticks train in their teams at Foster Park, matches can take place at any of Canterbury Hockey’s venues. We do try our best to accommodate kids with their friends where possible, however we believe some of the best friendships can be made through sport too so it’s great to be surrounded by a diverse group. Mini Sticks begins on the 10th / 11th of May and ends on 23rd/24th August. Non playing dates include 1 June (Kings birthday), 13th July (middle week school holidays) and 20th July (last week school holidays).
Kiwi Sticks – (Year 5&6) $170/Season
Kiwi Sticks is a Year 5&6 grade played on either a Friday evening or Saturday morning. Kiwi Sticks teams are single gender. They play on a 1/2 turf for 14 minute thirds. 7 players are on the field at a time including a goalkeeper. Teams will be made up of 10-12 players to allow for fair playing time, sickness cover and meaningful training sessions. This grade is designed to develop game play on a slightly larger field than Mini Sticks. Rules start to be enforced more and goalkeepers are introduced. There are also non-goalkeeper grades. Unless a player clearly states they want to play as a goalkeeper this position is rotated around the team to give everyone a chance to learn a new skill. We aim to place players in their respective school year allowing them to progress through the grades with a similar core group of players. Kiwi Sticks train in their teams at Foster Park. We do try our best to accommodate kids with their friends where possible, however we believe some of the best friendships can be made through sport too so it’s great to be surrounded by a diverse group. Kiwi Sticks begins on the 10th / 11th of May ends on 23rd/24th August. Non-playing dates include 1 June (Kings birthday), 13th July (middle week school holidays) and 20th July (last week school holidays).
Kwik Sticks - Year 7&8 $170/Season
Kwik Sticks is a Year 7&8 grade played on a Saturday Morning. Kwik Sticks teams are single gender with 7 players (including a goalkeeper on the field at a time). They play on a ½ turf for 3 periods of 16 minutes, there are rolling substitutions. Teams will be made up of 10-12 players to allow for fair playing time, sickness cover and meaningful training sessions. This grade is designed to prepare players for the 11 a-side format of the game in year 9 by enforcing all hockey rules and more game concepts. We take on board feedback from previous coaches to create well balanced teams giving every player the chance to thrive and develop in their environment. Kwik Sticks train in their teams at Foster Park. We do try our best to accommodate kids with their friends where possible, however we believe some of the best friendships can be made through sport so it’s great to be surrounded by a diverse group. Kwik Sticks begins on the 10th of May ends on 23rd/24th August. Non-playing dates include 1 June (Kings birthday), 13th July (middle week school holidays) and 20th July (last week school holidays).
Coaching
Waikirikiri is a volunteer run club and we rely on our club members including parents to step in and support our teams. We understand it may be daunting stepping up to coach a team if you have no previous hockey knowledge, however we are here to support you in doing so. We have several senior club members who volunteer their time to coach but as club we cannot cover all teams with new volunteers every year. All coaches will be police vetted and we encourage coaches to complete the Hockey New Zealand Coaching Ticket which is a quick online course on the basics of coaching. There are coaching resources available for you and we can direct you to plenty more too. A large part of coaching is having some fun and establishing a positive culture amongst your team. It’s a great idea to team up with a friend or another parent to share the load. If you want to chat more about coaching, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
The Committee have reviewed the Coaching discount for 2024 and if you decide to coach this year you will receive a 30% rebate at the end of the season for one registration in 2024.
FAQ’S
Q. What time are the games and where are they played?
A. Games on a Friday evening are played between 4:00pm - 6:00pm at Nunweek Park and Nga Puna Wai. Saturday games can range from 8:00am - 12:00pm. These are played at a range of venues which may include Nunweek Park, Nga Puna Wai, Rangi Ruru, St Margarets, Rangiora, Wycola Park, Cathedral Grammer or other satellite venues depending on the grade.
Q. Where will trainings be held?
A. All trainings at Foster Park
Q. What happens if I can’t train on the day my team is listed to train?
A. We do try our very best to accommodate all preferences. However, if this happens, we can arrange another team you can train with on a different day but still play in the team you are listed in. We are flexible to work out an option that best suits you. Flexibility is appreciated however given turf space is limited.
Q. What equipment is required?
A. Players must be equipped with a mouth guard, shin pads and a hockey stick.
Q. What uniform is required?
A. Fun Sticks: No uniform required; Mini Sticks, Kiwi Sticks, Kwik Sticks: A playing shirt is provided by the club for the season. Your own Navy skirt or shorts and Navy socks will need to purchased.
Q. What happens if my team doesn’t have a coach listed when they are announced?
A. As per our coaching information above we do rely on volunteers and parents. We are working our hardest to organise a solution but we will be calling on parents and caregivers to assist us.
Q. If I’m on a waitlist how will I know if a place is available?
A. We will contact you via email if a place becomes available in a team.
Q. What if my questions isn’t answered here?
A. Please contact us @ jccboys@waikirikirihockey.co.nz or jccgirls@waikirikirihockey.co.nz
