INTRODUCTION

The BCS Men's Hockey National Squad Programme has been running for sixteen years and has been influential in furthering the careers of many aspiring young hockey players. The squad is a selection of the best U19 players who are on eligible courses at Colleges of Further Education and Sixth Form Colleges affiliated to BCS.

The squad is selected following a process of regional and national trials. Players are then invited to train and attend a selection of fixtures which culminate in an international hockey tour at the conclusion of the season.

 Aims and Objectives of the Programme

• The purpose of the squad is to represent and demonstrate the high standard of hockey that takes place in the FE sector to a broader audience, while at the same time furthering the development of the players involved and preparing them for an elite performance culture.
• The players are provided with sport science advice and support, high quality coaching from a team of qualified coaches, and the opportunity to socialise and develop relationships with players of a similar standard from across the country.
• The BCS squad is coached by staff who are fully integrated into the England Hockey Single System and as a result, player progress is fed back into the regional centres who are responsible for individual player development.
• The BCS squad aims to develop individuals who will be capable of playing National League hockey and also potentially international representation.

Player Selection Process 

Phase One - Region Trials 

Each region is responsible for organising its own trial to select the best 16 players to represent the region against another region in an inter-regional trial.

Phase Two - Inter-Regional Trials 

Regions are scheduled to play a match against another region during November. Following this regional match, the regional team coaches then select the best 16 players, regardless of position, from the two regions to put forward to the National Trial.

Phase Three - National Trial 

• Players are brought together from around the country for a final trials day at Cannock Hockey Club. The day contains a full programme of assessment activities;
• Fitness / Speed / Agility
• Hockey Core Skills (as directed from England Hockey)
• Game Play (Communication, application of skills, decision making, vision, reading of play) 

From this trial a squad of 16-20 players is selected to represent BCS in training and fixtures throughout the rest of the season.