The England Hockey Junior Competitions Framework introduced in the 2021-22 season has enabled us to offer greater opportunities for competition across the whole area. There is a central calendar which we can all use to support players to make good choices and avoid conflict.
Club Junior Leagues- U14 U16 U18
Tier 1 Leagues are intended for the top teams at these age groups. In the U14 & U16 age groups, after an initial round of matches at Area level, the top 3 teams will qualify for a national Supra League which will run for the remainder of the season and lead to National Finals. The remaining teams will continue to play in the YNE league.
Tier 2 Leagues are YNE Area level competition with a number of divisions arranged geographically to minimise travel.
There will be reorganisation of these leagues at Christmas to allow any teams who are not being successful at Tier 1, to join the top teams from Tier 2 for the remainder of the season It also gives the opportunity for the most successful teams in tier 3 to play in tier 2.
Tier 3 and 4 Leagues have been amalgamated due to small numbers and are organised within each of the two sub areas, Yorkshire and the North-East.
National England Hockey Cup & Plate Knockout Competitions
KO competitions will be run for the U14 & U16 age groups. These are Centrally Organised by England Hockey with direct entry at the start of the season.
Junior Festivals – U8, U10, U12
Within each sub area fixtures are organised for each of the above age groups. These will be geographically based to reduce travel. At each festival a small group of clubs will provide matches between each other. The aim is to provide approximately two festivals per half-term.
In2Hockey YNE Area Finals
The first round of the U10 and U12 In2Hockey Championships will be held in the sub areas. The top performing teams will participate in the Area YNE Finals.
Support Video around Junior Regulations for Junior Clubs and Teams
Are you coaching, managing, administering or volunteering in a junior team who play in any U14, U16 or U18 Area league competitions or England Hockey Championships? If so, along with England Hockey, we've created a couple of videos that further explain and give tips on what you need to do before, during and after a game, along with some best practice advice to ensure you are adhering to the Junior Regulations.
If your team play games outside of these competitions, then please watch this video where you will find helpful tips on how to manage the game when one side is heavily outplaying the other.