The programme is designed for current and potential performance coaches who have aspirations to be a Futures and/or National programme coach.

Coaches applying should have experience in leading a team or programme for U18, National Hockey Championships (NHC), Regional Training Environments (RTEs), or Junior Black Sticks (JBS) within the last three years or involved in coaching activities that are considered to be equivalent.

Coaches will have engaged in on-going learning, and able to share evidence of actively applying knowledge, skills, and learning, from these development opportunities, into their coaching. They will be passionate about working with others to support peer to peer development and demonstrate behaviours and actions that align with the Coaching Core Beliefs. 

The 12-month programme will commence in October 2023 and include the following:

• Residential Camps x 3: Futures Super Camp – Oct 2023, Senior Super Camp – Mar 2024, and a second Futures Super Camp – Oct 2024 
• FIHL3 Course: Online and Face to Face Workshops and Assessment
• Hockey NZ specific workshops
• Engagement in Regional Training Environments (RTE) and Regional Camp Coaching opportunities or equivalent
• Connection to external opportunities (in alignment to Coach Individual Development Plan)

The focus will be providing a blend of learning opportunities, including:

• Hands on Coaching with feedback (Residential Camps)
• Peer to peer support and learning (Residential Camps)
• Coach Driven Individual Development Plan (Residential Camps)
• FIH Formal Coach Education (Residential Camps and Online Education)
• Observing and/or engaging with Vantage Black Sticks and Future Black Sticks Programmes.

Coaches selected for the programme will need to commit to the following: 

• Attend all Residential Camps, FIH and Hockey NZ Workshops: Coaches will need to make their best efforts, individual case by case exceptions may be allowed.
• Complete and drive their own Individual Development Plan: this will be supported by the Programme Developer
• Attend Regional Training Environments (RTEs) and/or Regional Camps, or an equivalent opportunity.
• Complete and abide by the terms of the Programme Agreement
• Complete programme feedback to support the review of the programme

Hockey NZ will commit to covering all costs incurred for travel and engagement in residential camps and provide a minimum of 50% cover of FIHL3 Course costs.

All programme applications will be reviewed by the selection panel, composed of the Hockey NZ Community Coaching Manager, Hockey NZ Performance Coach staff member, and 1 appointed Independent member.

The following criteria will be used:

Essential Criteria:

• Led a team or programme for U18, National Hockey Championships (NHC), Regional Training Environments (RTEs), or Junior Black Sticks (JBS) within the last three years or involved in coaching activities that are considered to be equivalent
• Evidence of actively applying knowledge, skills and learning, from previous professional development activities, in their coaching
• Demonstrate passion to work with others to support peer to peer development
• Demonstration of Coaching Core Beliefs in alignment to the Community Coaching Plan
• Aspirations to be a coach in the Futures and/or National programmes

Desirable Criteria:

• A current FIHL2C Coaching Accreditation
• Exposure to the use of technology, including Hudl, Keynote and Microsoft products

Applications are now closed for the 2023-24 Programme.

Applications will re-open at the end of 2024 and will be advertised through all key coaching communication channels. 

All programme applications are reviewed by the selection panel, composed of the Hockey NZ Community Coaching Manager, Hockey NZ Performance Coach staff member, and 1 appointed independent member. Where required, coaches may be contacted by the panel to gather further information.

All coaches will need to be ratified by Hockey NZ and undergo a Police Check.