FREE HOCKEY FOR U12s - How Sittingbourne Hockey Club is Changing the Game at Grass Roots Level

At Sittingbourne Hockey Club, we believe every child should have the chance to experience the joy, discipline, and camaraderie of team sport — regardless of cost. That’s why all hockey for under‑12s at SHC is totally free — no training fees or no match fees.

There is a small annual £10 membership charge to help us cover the additional cost of the England Hockey player registration.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Ages & Sessions

  Mondays, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm: mixed sessions for ages 4 to 11yrs

  
  

• Coaching & Curriculum

  Our Minis & Junior Coaching Syllabus, developed by international coach Andrew Wilson, structures training for children aged 4 to 14. This ensures age‑appropriate skill development, building fundamentals safely and progressively.

  
  

• Training Time & Matches

  We provide over 4.5 hours of youth hockey training per week across age various groups from U8 to U14. Competitive games against other clubs are held once a month on Sundays for age groups from U8 to U12.

  
  

• Pathway to Senior Hockey

  From age 13, youth players may join senior development teams and begin Club training on a Wednesday night playing competitive hockey on Saturdays.

  
  

WHY IT'S FREE — Our Philosophy & Model

We run a campaign called “Hockey 4 All” which brings the joy of hockey and

team sport to as many people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities within Sittingbourne and the Swale area as possible. As well as disability inclusive hockey and walking hockey this campaign provides FREE hockey to all under‑12s and is a fundamental commitment of SHC within the community.

That said, the cost of running the programme is significant. The club covers a substantial portion of the cost, and while partnerships help, they don’t cover everything. The current Youth section title sponsor is available so if you're a local business and want to come on board please get in contact. We also welcome donations and contributions from parents, guardians, and the community to help sustain the initiative click here to donate.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT

Equipment: We supply hockey sticks for all players. Families are encouraged to supply shin pads and a mouthguard for safety. SHC Website

Just Turn Up: You don’t need to register in advance. If you're new, approach one of the coaches (wearing red hoodies) on site and they will guide your child to the appropriate age group. However shoudl you wish to make contact first email us on info@sittingbournehc.co.uk

Location & Access: Our training sessions are runs at Borden Grammar School. Parking is available via the Avenue of Remembrance, opposite The Appleyard, in the school car park. Walk behind the buildings to reach the pitch.

Matches: Junior tournaments are held roughly every month on a Sunday, and all participants who train are welcome to play.

The club actively plans to grow its outreach into neighbouring communities like Faversham and the Isle of Sheppey, strengthening local links and making the sport more accessible across Swale.

Since its rebranding (from Old Bordenian to Sittingbourne HC in 2021), the club has embraced a renewed vision for community inclusion, aligning its name more clearly with the town and aiming to build greater participation.

HOW TO JOIN / NEXT STEPS

• When & Where: Mondays 6–7 pm (age 4–11) at Borden Grammar School, ME10 4DB

• Bring: Trainers, appropriate clothing, lots of enthusiasm. The club provides sticks; safety gear such as shin pads and mouthguards are recommended.

• Join In: Simply come along and speak to a coach; no prior registration needed.

• Stay Updated: Tournament dates and match info are sent via our central Teamo app or club communications.

• Support: Though the youth programme is free, contributions are welcome to help maintain quality coaching and facility expenses.

At its heart, the youth hockey programme at Sittingbourne HC is about more than sport — it’s about community, opportunity, and empowering young people. By removing financial barriers and offering structured progression, SHC is helping kids from age 4 upwards to learn, grow, and belong. If you live locally, have a child who might be interested or keen to take up a new sport, or want to support grassroots sport, come along — you and everyone else are very welcome.

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Hello and welcome to Sittingbourne Hockey Club; the number one hockey club in Sittingbourne and Swale.

We are a Kent-based hockey club in the Borough of Swale currently running 5 senior men's teams and 3 senior women's teams with multiple youth teams as part of our ever growing Youth Academy.

We work closely within our community providing various sessions for all ages and abilities via our Hockey 4 All initiative.

Year on year we are seeing huge expansion - come and be part of it. Our facilities are first class with pitch-side clubhouse and full AI video analysis.

To find out why we are the club for you click here or alternatively feel free to browse our website. If you have any questions contact us on info@sittingbournehc.co.uk