Due to the success of the Whitcliffe Mount Roller Hockey Academy (WMRHA), the Northern Counties regional training structure and to address issues in connection with the current National training weekend structure the National Roller Hockey Association (NRHA) are now introducing 3 other regional training areas based on the Whitcliffe Mount Roller Hockey Academy model.

From September 2009 there will be four regional training areas in the country, these being based in the North, the East, the South-West and the South-East. The North's regional training centre will remain at Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre.

The NRHA national calender for 2009 - 2010 has already been updated to show when the regional training sessions will take place, these being:

Saturday 19th September 2009

Saturday 3rd October 2009

Saturday 31st October 2009

Saturday 5th December 2009

Saturday 2nd January 2010

Saturday 6th February 2010

Saturday 6th March 2010

Saturday 3rd April 2010

Saturday 1st May 2010 (Inter-regional Championship weekend)

Saturday 5th June 2010

 

The format for the regional training sessions dated above will be as follows:

 

SESSION ONE - 5pm till 630pm - All children under 13 years of age after 1st September 2009

SESSION TWO - 630pm till 830pm - All children aged over 13 years of age from 1st September 2009 and under 17 years of age from 1st September 2009

Additional sessions will be provided for Under 20's and Senior Ladies, these dates are to be confirmed.

The below table summarises who should attend what session and who is eligable for selection for the Under 17's regional team to be entred in this seasons NCRHA senior league.

Please note: To be eligable to represent the Northern Counties you must be registered with the National Roller Hockey Association and be a member of a club registered with the Northern Counties Roller Hockey Association.

The selection process is based on several key areas, these are:

1. Attendance - Players MUST attend regional training sessions of a regular basis...at least 75%. All players must inform a member of the coaching team if they are unable to attend.

2. Fitness - You must be prepared to work hard at all training sessions and be prepared to work on your own fitness in your own time.

3. Behaviour - You must be able to follow instructions from the coaching team and act in a sensible manner on and off the rink, this includes all regional training sessions and whilst representing the region at Inter-regional compititions. Players who do not behave in an acceptable manner will be subject to a discipline procedure. This may result in the player not being selected to represent the Northern Counties Roller Hockey Association at regional compitition.

4. Team work - You must be a good team player and we willing to work hard for others. Players must understand that being a good team player also means supporting players and the coaching team on and off the rink. Players must also understand that being selected for a regional team does not mean that you will take an active part in all games, and therefore must be prepared for long periods off the rink.

5. Skating ability - You must be able to skate well forwards and backwards and be able to hockey stop on both sides. The coaching team will of course help everyone to improve their skating abilities during the regional training sessions.

6. Stick work and passing ability- It is important that players have a high skill level in these areas and are prepared to work hard to improve.

It must be noted by all that Dan Messenger the NCRHA Regional Coach and Pete Atherton the Assistant Regional Coach will be responsible for selecting all the regional teams and their decision is final.

The Northern Counties Roller Hockey Association has a long and established history with the sport of Roller Hockey.

Should you wish to know more, please email coach@wmrha.co.uk or contact Dan Messenger (NCRHA Development Officer) on 07706 839 547.