Fun Sticks (Year 1 & 2) - fees are still to be set for the season
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 Monday 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) - fees are still to be set for the 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.
Kiwi Sticks – (Year 5&6) - fees are still to be set for the 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.
Kwik Sticks - (Year 7&8) - fees are still to be set for the 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.
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 2025. The Structure will be: 1-3 years 35% and those who have coached for 4+ years will receive a 40% discount.
The Committee have also reviewed the Team Manager discount for 2025. The structure will be: 1-3 years 20% and 4+ years 25%.
