2026 U12 Development Squads
2026 Eligibility Criteria
Age: Participants should be born in 2014 or 2015. NSB will consider nominations for 2016 players based on their ability and readiness. This will be at the discretion of our Association.
Registration: Players must either have club of origin status or NSB as their primary Association. We also welcome school players who are not ‘club’ aligned.
Availability: Players must be available for ALL events in the program. Exceptions may be granted.
Financial: Players must have no outstanding invoices or payments due to NSB.
Code of Conduct: Players AND Parents must have read and understood the Hockey Australia Code of Conduct and Stakeholders CoC.
Breeches of the eligibility criteria may result in a player not being selected or removed from a team. Please consider your eligibility before you register your nomination.
U12 registrations for trials have now closed. However we always welcome new families to our community, so if you have missed the trials and would like to join our 2026 program please contact me directly on 0423 003167 or carolinewheelerau@gmail.com
Calendar
Training for U12 Boys
Training 1 : Sunday 3rd May 12:30-2:30pm @ Pennant Hills
Training 2: Sunday 24th May 3-5pm @ Pennant Hills
Training 3: Sunday 31st May 12-2pm @ Pennant Hills
Training dates for U12 girls
There will be 3 x training sessions which will be held on:
Training 1 : Sunday 3rd May 4:30pm to 6:30pm @ Pennant Hills
Training 2: Sunday 24th May 4:30pm to 6:30pm @ Pennant Hills
Training 3: Sunday 31st May @ Pennant Hills
- NSB Girls / 1 Stingray team training 11am to 1pm
- NSB Girls / 2 Seal training 11am to 1pm
- NSB Girls /3 Dolphins training midday to 2pm
U12 Boys and Girls Development Squad CONFIRMED EVENTS Calendar 2026
| Date | Time | Event | Venue | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday 10 May | All Day (usually 7:30am start) | Girls Moorebank Carnival | Moorebank | Full Field |
| Sat 6th – Mon 8th June | Matches various times throughout each day | Canberra Carnival (all girls & boys teams) | Canberra | |
| Sunday 14th June | All Day (usually 7:30am start) | Sutherland Carnival (all girls and boys teams) | Sutherland | Half Field |
| Sunday 21st June | All Day (usually 7:30am start) | Boys Moorebank Carnival | Moorebank | Full Field |
| 3rd-6th July (Fri 3rd PM is usually optional skills workshops) |
Matches will commence AM Sat 4th July and end afternoon on Mon 6th | Kim Shield & York Cup (all girls and boys teams) | Tamworth | Full Field |
The U12 carnivals are not all the same format. Some are played across a half field & others on full field. Obviously this will impact how we select team sizes. Given that this is a development program the movement of players between teams may happen between tournaments. You will be asked to confirm your availability for all of the carnivals at registration.
We will have:
- 12G 3 teams for full-field carnivals
- 12B 2 teams for full-field carnivals
- Mixed teams may also be considered for Sutherland and Tamworth carnivals
There are player fees involved and accommodation/transport is players responsibility for all U12 carnivals (see below).
Research has shown that small-sided, modified field games provide a greater hockey experience for all levels of participation, with a focus on fun, participation and skill development. The players get more touches of the ball, put in more passes and have more shots on goal. Interestingly it also shows they run further!
Attached is information highlighting the benefits of small sided games.
Player Fees
The player fees are being finalised, they will be in the vicinity of:
U12G – $360
U12B – $360
Player fees are payable and include all competition, training & umpires fees & coach incidentals. Invoices will be issued to be paid online.
Accommodation & Transport
For the U12 age group each player/family will be responsible for any accommodation & transport requirements.
Uniform
All players will need to purchase an NSB representative uniform. Players will require a NSB navy blue playing top, navy blue playing shorts/skort (does not need to be NSB), NSB navy blue socks and the alternative NSB yellow association socks.
U12 uniform navy playing shirts and socks will be on sale at the 1st training session directly from NSB. You can also pre-order via the google forms link provided to you via email. Hoodies and other optional items such as backpacks can be purchased from this link https://www.xpresssportswear.com.au/field-hockey/nsbh
Team Managers needed
We will need a manager for each team and would greatly appreciate anyone interested to contact me.
The management duties for these teams is relatively light as there are no accommodation & meal logistics.
The main responsibilities will be the distribution of info, working with the coach for substitute timing & taking care of team requirements at the actual competition. You must be available to attend all carnivals. You do not need hockey experience. You do need to be organised. 😊
Team Coaches
If you would like to be part of the journey to coach our next generation of hockey legends please contact me directly in addition to completion of your formal nomination at this at this link https://www.revolutionise.com.au/nsbha/events/336149
Umpires Needed
We are required to nominate an umpire for each team attending carnivals. Umpires receive payment for their duties.
If there is anyone interested in umpiring (older sibling, parent, friend) we would like to hear from you! Umpire nomination form can be found here https://www.revolutionise.com.au/nsbha/events/285978
If you have any further questions on the U12 program please do not hesitate to contact me. Looking forward to a fabulous 2026 field hockey season.
Caroline Wheeler, U12 age coordinator
0423 003167
carolinewheelerau@gmail.com