Foundations Programme

Are you ready to start your HM Journey?

6 Days of Camps

Improve your game in a national programme and meet like-minded peers from all over the country

What’s Included?

Technical Coaching

Detailed technical coaching with to help improve player’s basics and range of skills. This gives young players the foundation to play high-level hockey

Gameplay

Realistic small-unit play and small-sided games to develop understanding of key game principles and decision making under pressure.

Indoor Hockey

Indoor hockey at 3/6 camp days- great for improving technical skills and decision making under pressure in this fast-paced fun format of hockey.

GK Coaching Support

Bespoke GK coaching support at all camps to help GKs improve technically and get the most out of gameplay exercises.

The Hockey Mentors Community

We pride ourselves on a great culture that creates lifelong friendships and a community feel. Meet peers from all over the country.

HM Pathway

Programme led by HM Founder and Director of Hockey Jack Childs to ensure all players get the opportunity to progress through the HM Pathway.

Success Stories

“I joined Hockey Mentors at the start of the project and have enjoyed every aspect of it. I have met and played with some great players, mentors and coaches. All this has increased my confidence, improved my skills and grown my love for hockey. It is now an amazing feeling to be given back as a coach to the next generation of HM talent ”

Archie Crowley (England U18)

“Hockey Mentors is an amazing programme which supports players to grow in an inclusive environment with great coaching and games. The camps are so much fun because you can improve as a player while doing drills that are unique and exciting. This has helped me to improve technically and I have found it super helpful! “

Rita Box (England U16)

A chance to join the Hockey Mentors Pathway

Current Y5/Y6/Y7 are welcome to apply

We aim to ensure everyone who comes along to our Foundations programme is the right fit to get the most of the programme and support others. The key points we look for are:

Can physically cope with intense 2 day camps
Coachable- willing to learn and listens carefully
Shows hockey potential, with good hand-eye co-ordination
Supports a positive camp atmosphere

Apply now

26-27 Calendar

Meet Jack Childs

Director of Hockey | Founder

Foundations Programme Head Coach

Over the last decade Jack has coached 100+ junior international players. He has coached at 10 junior national finals (1 gold/4 silvers), coached University of Exeter Men’s/Women’s 1s + Cambridge Uni Women’s 1s in National League and won the TA Festival twice as Surbiton TA Girls Head Coach. He has led Hockey Mentors teams in international fixtures against Wales, Scotland, Ulster and top European club teams, as well as overseen 50+ medals at Indoor Hockey UK national events.

Outside of hockey Jack holds a 1st class degree in Sports & Exercise Science from the University of Exeter, is a qualified meditation teacher and is completing his L3 in athlete personal development.

Q&A

Our most frequently asked questions

How do I apply for the Foundations Programme?

Please complete the application form on the ‘APPLY NOW’ button below or click any of the ‘APPLY NOW’ buttons on this page. This takes you to a google form to fill in.

Does everyone who applies get a place?

No- players are selected from open trials on 11th July.

Please note to be invited to these open trials you have to apply on the google form (accessed by clicking the ‘APPLY NOW’ button). Everyone who applies is invited to the open trial, as long as they are current Y5/Y6/Y7 and state school and/or ethnic minority.

If your child can’t make 11th July they can still apply but their selection chances are reduced.

What are the packages available?

Players can apply for either a 2 camp or 3 camp package.

What are the costs?

3 camps (£500)- £100 a month for 5 months

2 camps (£350)- £70 a month for 5 months

Please note…

-The 5 monthly payments run from 1st Aug-1st Dec.

-Packages include the specified number of camps and two training t-shirts.

How do you select players?

Players are selected from open trials on 11th July.

The open trial costs £60 to attend and the day will run from 10am-5pm (payment will be requested and full details provided via email after the application window closes). The address for the open trials is Shobnall Leisure Centre, Shobnall Rd, Burton Upon Trent, DE14 2BB.

If your child cannot attend the open trial day on 11th July they can still apply but their chances of selection will be reduced.

Who qualifies for HM?

As stated on our website HM is for state school and/or ethnic minority players. There is no exception to this.

Players must attend a state school in Sep 2026 to be eligible.

What are camp timings?

Camps run 9am-5pm each day. Information will be sent out around a month before each camp with the breakdown of timings for each group.

What happens if camps clash with my child's school dates?

The challenge for us is that school holiday dates are different around the country, so for some children camps might be in their term time. Before the camps we will send out a letter that you can share with your child’s school to request time off- this happens regularly on our competitions programme and HPP.

When is the open trial?

The open trial is on 11th July.

Please note to be invited to these open trials you have to apply to the foundations programme on the google form (accessed by clicking the ‘APPLY NOW’ button). Everyone who applies is invited to the open trial, as long as they are current Y5/Y6/Y7 and state school and/or ethnic minority.