St Bede's Hockey Club - New Junior Players FAQ

St Bede's Hockey Club is actively recruiting junior players for our mixed junior teams for 2024!

So, you're thinking of joining St Bede's Hockey Club! We understand you may have some questions, so we've done our best to answer the most common of these below.

If you have further questions, you are very welcome to email us at info@stbedeshc.org.au with your queries.

I'd like to Express My Interest in Joining St Bede's Hockey Club Juniors!

As you read through this FAQ, you may wish to express interest in joining, but not yet be ready to register with the club with a paid membership.

If this describes you, please fill in your details here on our Google Form, either now or after you've read through the following FAQ. 

What Junior Teams does St Bede's Hockey Club Have?

We have U12, U14, U16 and U18 mixed district teams. District grade is appropriate for experienced players and also accommodates those just starting out in the sport. We welcome all players of all abilities.

Do I need to Attend St Bede's College?

No, we welcome students from ANY school, both boys and girls! Many of our players did not attend St Bede's College and have happily been welcomed and formed an important part of the club for many years.

What are the Age Cut-offs?

Your age is assessed on Dec 31st the prior year. For example, if you were 13 years of age on Dec 31st 2023, you are classed as U14. The club manages your team selection, so rest assured we will place you in the team best suited for your age and ability.

When and Where are Games and Training?

Games are on Friday nights for U14/16/18 and can start anywhere from 6pm onwards. Games are in a home and away format and are typically in the southeast region of Melbourne. Games are approximately one hour with around 45 minutes warm-up.

Games are on a Saturday morning for U12 and are at a set local ground in the southeast region (this ground is to be confirmed by Hockey Victoria as the season nears, but it will be one of the larger, locally convenient grounds).

Training is on Wednesday nights at the Mentone Grammar Playing Fields at 756-768 Springvale Rd, Braeside and is from 5pm-7pm. This is our home ground.

If you express interest in joining (through our expression of interest form at the top of this page), we will provide you with information as to when training starts/started. This will be around early April 2024. Rest assured, you can start training at any time, and this will not disadvantage you. We do our best to be inclusive and will welcome you no matter when you choose to join our training schedule.

When Does the Season Start and How Long does it Run?

The season starts on Friday 3rd May 2024 and goes for 14 rounds, plus a two-week finals series. There are a small number of weeks where there are no games, typically aligned with school holidays. Hockey Victoria releases a detailed fixture closer to the season's commencement. This fixture is easily accessible online.

What Gear does the Club Provide?

If you are a new junior player to the club in 2024, we will give you one pair of uniform shorts and a set of uniform socks to keep when you pay your fees.

We also provide you with a playing top, which remains the property of the club and which you return at the end of the playing season.

What Gear do I Need to Obtain?

You will need to purchase a mouth guard and shin pads, as these are mandatory for both training and playing. Basic equipment can be sourced from a specialist hockey store. A set of sturdy footwear is also required. You can easily start with a pair of sneakers or can buy a pair of synthetic turf boots.

You will also need to purchase a hockey stick. We can provide you with a loan stick for a short time upon request. The stick will need to be returned once you have sourced your own.

How Much Does My Registration Cost and How Do I Pay?

Your registration is split into two parts (both are paid at the same time in one transaction).

1. Club fees - $250 (or $220 each for any subsequent child in your direct family); PLUS

2. Hockey Victoria/Australia fees - $98.31

Your registration fees are paid when you register on the Hockey Victoria portal for St Bede's Hockey Club here: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/stbedeshc/registration/

More Questions?

Please feel free to email us at info@stbedeshc.org.au or call our Juniors Coordinator, David Byrnes on 0418 572 535.