Youth Development Scheme 2008/09

DLHC Summer School 2007-08, Thanks to Sponsors - Donaghys Banbridge and Canterbury

Our programme for junior girls hockey in and around the Dromore area has proved a massive success. Last year upwards of 150 members were playing and training regularly on a Saturday morning and Monday evening from September to April. Our panel of qualified coaches and first aid personnel ensure each session is safe and fun while players compete in their U8, U10, U12 and U14 age groups.

The 2006/07 season saw the club lift its first silverware thanks to the Youth Development Scheme. The U14 squad won both their Mid Ulster League as well as being crowned Ulster Champions at the U14 finals day in May 2007. Congratulations also to the 2007/08 U14 squad, runners up in both their Mid Ulster League campaign (on goal difference) and the Ulster Championship.

The U8 age group has its own dedicated coaching sessions, running for an hour each Saturday morning for girls in classes P3 & P4.

The U12 squad competes in the Ulster U12 Mini-Hockey League. Visit the results page for fixtures.

The U14 squad competes in the Ulster U14 League, Mid-Ulster section. Visit the results page for fixtures.

The success of the DLHC Youth Development Scheme saw its first ever members selected for the Ulster U16b Squad during the 2005/06 season. Zoe Bawden, Rebekah Russell, Tina Matier and Rachelle Adams became the first players in the clubs history to represent Ulster. DLHC saw similar success the following season with Tina Matier selected for her second year in succession. Joining her in the 2006/07 Ulster U16b Squad were clubmates Julie Morton and Kerri McDonald.

Again in 2007-08 Kerri McDonald represented Ulster at U16b along with Laura Irwin and Chelsey Whan. Rachel Morrow and Laura Gamble also made their own little piece of history, selected for the full Ulster U16 squad for the Interpros held in Galway. Hopefully this line of DLHC representative players will continue.

All youth development training is held on the astroturf pitch at Ferris Park. The 2008/09 season will see yet another group of talented young players from DLHC youth development scheme progress through to the senior club. Here they will compete against top opposition from other clubs around Northern Ireland whilst continuing to develop their skills in the senior club.

Special thanks to all DLHC members, coaches & parents for supporting our Junior Fundraising Tournament on behalf of Lurgan Ladies Hockey Club - 'Hope Thru Hockey' Capetown