2026 JUNIOR BULLDOGS
Welcome to the 2026 winter season for FHC Juniors.
This information pack should be able to provide you information, such as key dates, age groups/classification, training times, games times, teams entered and coaches.
This year welcome Lachie Anderson (Ando) back to FHC in a newly formed role of the Coaching & Performance Director. We are looking forward to the support and development of new and current junior coaches.
Hockey Victoria have confirmed FHC as a Host Venue for under 8 and under 10 Hockey 5’s.
Hockey Victoria have confirmed our 2026 Shield Gradings – under 12 Girls and under 12 Mixed, under 14 Girls and under 14 Boys and under 16 Girls and under 16 Boys.
We will be entering Pennant or District teams for our under 12, 14 and 16 Girls and our under 12, 14, 16 Boys. We will also be entering the ever popular under 18 Mixed Team this year!
Any questions or concerns, please reach out!
Cindy Blay, Junior Director – juniors@footscrayhockey.com.au
KEY CONTACTS
Junior Director - Cindy Blay |
juniors@footscrayhockey.com.au |
Come & Try Coordinator - Nicole Virtuoso
|
come-and-try@footscrayhockey.com.au |
Retail - Karen Johnstone |
retail@footscrayhockey.com.au
|
Indoor Hockey |
indoor@footscrayhockey.com.au |
Under 6 Coordinator |
under6@footscrayhockey.com.au
|
Under 8 Coordinator |
under8@footscrayhockey.com.au |
Under 10 Coordinator |
under10@footscrayhockey.com.au
|
Under 12 - 18 |
juniors@footscrayhockey.com.au |
NEW UNIFORM 2026 – Under 12 – 18
We are bringing the horizontal traditional Bulldogs stripe back in red, white and royal blue, we are proud to release a home strip and alternate strip for members who play full field hockey competitions. Our vision was to bring the whole club under the one design as well as offering high quality sports fabrics and cuts.
Please note that depending on the delivery date, the club might be wearing the OLD uniform for the start of the 2026 season.
WHAT TO ORDER?
- Juniors (under 12-18) are only required to order the Blue Top, Skort/Shorts, Red & Blue socks.
- We have club sets of white alternative tops for clashes.
HOW TO PURCHASE?
- Uniform is for sale via Hockey HQ Shop – footscrayhc.square.site
Hockey vic competition 2026
Hockey Victoria (HV) Winter Competition is from May until September.
HV Under 8 competition is run as Hockey 5’s style of play on 1/8 field, games are played every Saturday morning at FHC. There are two carnival days that are run at the end of Term 2 and Term 3.
HV Under 10 competition is run as Hockey 5’s style of play on 1/4 field, games are played every Saturday morning at FHC. There are two carnival days that are run at the end of Term 2 and Term 3.
Winter competition (U12 through to U18) is a traditional 14 round home and away winter competition running in Term 2 and 3. Match locations for Hockey Vic competitions vary depending on the grade played, and usually alternate between home and away fixtures.
Games are either Friday nights (Under 14s, Under 16s and Under 18s) or Saturday mornings (Under 12), with fixtures organised by HV- both home and away.
Hockey Vic will release the game competition schedule closer to the season and your age group coordinator or team manager will share these with you.
AGE
GROUPS
2025
U6 (2020 or later)
U8 (2018 & 19)
U10 (2017 & 16)
U12 (2015 & 14)
U14 (2013 & 12 )
U16 (2011 & 10 )
U18 (2009 & 08 )
TRAINING
COMMENCES
2025
U6 Wed 18th Mar
U8 Wed 18th Mar
U10 Wed 18th Mar
U12 Girls Tue 3rd Mar
U12 Boys Thurs 26th Feb
U14 Girls Tue 3rd Mar
U14 Boys Thurs 26th Feb
U16 Girls Tue 3rd Mar
U16 Boys Thurs 26th Feb
U18 Mon 2nd Mar
TRIAL
DATES
2025
U6 N/A
U8 N/A
U10 N/A
U12/U14/U16 Girls & Boys – 19 Mar – 31 Mar
during training time
U18 N/A
FIRST
GAME
2025
U6 N/A
U8 Sat 2nd May
U10 Sat 2nd May
U12 Girls & Boys
Sat 2nd May
U14 Girls & Boys
Fri 1st May
U16 Girls & Boys
Fri 1st May
U18
Fri 1st May
TRAINING TIMES 2026
| TRAINING DAY | Pitch 1 (ASF) |
Pitch 2 (BSF) |
Cage |
|
Mondays |
5.30-6.45 pm Under 18’s |
5.30-6.45 pm Boys & Girls Under 14 |
5.30-6.15 pm |
| Tuesdays |
5.30-6.45 pm Girls Under 14 |
5.30-6.45 pm Girls Under 12 |
5.30-6.45 pm GK |
| Wednesdays |
5.30-6.30 pm Under 8’s |
5.30-6.30 pm Under 10’s |
5.15-6.00 pm Under 6’s |
| Thursday |
5.30-6.45 pm Boys Under 14 |
5.30-6.45 pm Boys Under 12 |
5.30-6.30 pm GK |
COME & TRY HOCKEY 2026
Interested junior members are welcome to Come n Try at any stage of the year!
The Come n Try sessions are for BRAND NEW players to the game of hockey. They are NOT for existing FHC members.
Age Group: 4 year olds to 12 year olds
Dates: Wed 25 Feb, 4 & 11 Mar
Times: U6 & U8 5.15 – 6.00
U10 & U12 6.00 – 6.45
Cost: FREE
Uniform: Comfortable runners, shorts, t-shirt
Coordinator: Nicole Virtuoso 0424 132 715
come-and-try@footscrayhockey.com.au
Head Coaches: Nicole Virtuoso
No need to register – Just turn up!
Program The Come n Try sessions are aimed at helping children learn how to: select hockey equipment, hold a stick with correct grip, ball work (dribble, stop, trap, turn, push, slap and shoot) through extremely fun games delivered by expert coaches. Parents will receive a welcome booklet with detailed information.
How can you help? Help promote the Come n Try! Come n Try sessions require at least 15 coaches/helpers on the pitch and at least 10 helpers at the welcome table/stick fitting. If you are available to help at one, all or any of the sessions please contact Come n Try Coordinator Nicole Virtuoso 0424 132 715
come-n-try@footscrayhockey.com.au
SUMMER HOCKEY
Term 4 Summer Hockey for U8, U10 and U12 will be held for 6 weeks. There will be 2 FREE Come & Try sessions held in October.
U12, U14, U16 and U18 can participate in Term 4 Summer Indoor competitions.
U14+ can participate in FHC’s own summer mixed Monday comeptition or senior womens and mens outdoor competitions.
U6’s HOOKIN2HOCKEY 2026
The Winter program is from May until August.
Program: Our U6 program is a modified form of hockey emphasising the learning of basic skills such as holding the stick with correct grip, pushing the ball, trapping (stopping) the ball, dribbling, shooting and learning the basics of attacking and defending. It is a relatively non-competitive environment with participation and enjoyment are our key drivers.
Age Group Born 2020 or later
Training Wednesday 5.15 – 6.00pm
Training & Activities 18th March 2025
Uniform Blue FHC top with black leggings/shorts and any colour long socks
Fees & Registration
U6 Coordinator under6@footscrayhockey.com.au
Head Coach Julie-Anne Sheehan 0405 061 535
How can you help? We require Assistant coaches / helpers on the pitch with Julie-Anne (JA), no coaching experience necessary. We require administration helpers. Please contact under6@footscrayhockey.com.au if you’d be interested in helping.
U8’s HV Hockey 5’s 2026
The winter competition is from May until September
Program: Wednesday training program and a 10.00am Saturday morning hockey 5’s games played in teams on a 1/8 field with side boarders so the ball remains in play at FHC.
*** Note members can opt to just participate in the Wednesday trianing program (if they are unable to play Saturday mornings).
Children are exposed to extended skill development and ‘game awareness’ of positioning, space, working together, defensive and attacking play. We encourage good sportsmanship at all times and promote a safe and enjoyable hockey environment for all members, coaches, umpires and spectators.
Age Group Born 2019 & 2018
Training Wed 5.30 – 6.30pm
Training & Activities Commences Wed 18th March
Uniform Red FHC Tshirt
Games 9.00am Saturday FHC. Games starting from 2nd May
Fees & Registration
U8 Coordinator under8@footscrayhockey.com.au
Head Coach Shirena Patel
How can you help? We require between 4-6 teams worth of coaches (and co-coaches) on the pitch with head coach, no coaching experience necessary. We require helpers for jobs during training. Please contact under8@footscrayhockey.com.au if you’d be interested in helping.
U10’s HV Hockey 5’s Competition 2026
The Winter Competition is from May until September.
Program: Wednesday training program and a 10.00am Saturday morning hockey 5’s games played in teams on a 1/4 field with side boarders so the ball remains in play at FHC.
*** Note members can opt to just participate in the Wednesday trianing program (if they are unable to play Saturday mornings).
Children are exposed to extended skill development and ‘game awareness’ of positioning, space, working together, defense, midfield and attack. We encourage good sportsmanship at all times and promote a safe and enjoyable hockey environment for all members, coaches, umpires and spectators.
Age Group Born 201 & 2016
Training Wed 5.30 – 6.30
Training Commences Wed 18th Mar
Games 10am Saturday FHC. Games starting from 2nd May
Fees & Registration
Uniform Navy FHC top with black leggings/shorts and red long sock available at our Hockey HQ Shop – footscrayhc.square.site
U10 Coordinator under10@footscrayhockey.com.au
Head Coach Kate Neville
How can you help? We require coaches (and co-coaches). We require team managers for each team and administration helpers. Please contact under10@footscrayhokcey.com.au if you’d be interested in helping.
2026Under 12’s 2025
The Winter Competition is from May until September.
AGE GROUP Born 2014 & 2015
BULLDOGS ACADEMY: Friday’s 6 Feb – 6 March 2026
Click HERE for registration
TRAINING & GAMES:
Girls Teams Tuesday 5.30 pm – 6.45pm commencing Tue 3rd March 2026
Boys Teams Thursday 5.30 pm – 6.45pm commencing Thu 26 Feb 2026
Games are Saturday morning as fixtured by Hockey Victoria commencing Sat 2nd May 2026
TEAM TRIALS
Team trials will be the weeks of 19 – 31 March 2026 during training times. Whilst not all children want to play in a Shield team, the sessions are run as a training session and no one is singled out. Team selection is sent out to each team member separately, not as a group email. Questions relating to selection are to be directed to the Junior Director in the first instance. There will also be some practice matches immediately following the holidays in the lead up to Round 1.
CONTACT: juniors@footscrayhockey.com.au
PROGRAM This competition is played on a full field with 10 field players and 1 goal-keeper. If your child is interested in playing as goalkeeper, the club provides equipment as well as specific GK training. If your child is playing full-field for the first time there are handy resources below to assist with skills & positions.
Uniform Team wear the FHC uniform available at our Hockey HQ Shop – footscrayhc.square.site
Under 14’s 2026
The Winter Competition is from May until September.
AGE GROUP Born 2012 & 2013
BULLDOGS ACADEMY:Friday’s 6 Feb – 6 March 2026
Click HERE for registration
TRAINING & GAMES:
Girls Teams Tuesday 5.30 pm – 6.45pm commencing Tue 3rd March
Boys Teams Thursday 5.30 pm – 6.45pm commencing Thu 26th Feb 2026
Games are Saturday morning as fixtured by Hockey Victoria commencing Friday 1st May
TEAM TRIALS
Team trials will be the weeks of 19 – 31 March 2026 during training times. Whilst not all children want to play in a Shield team, the sessions are run as a training session and no one is singled out. Team selection is sent out to each team member separately, not as a group email. Questions relating to selection are to be directed to the Junior Director in the first instance. There will also be some practice matches immediately following the holidays in the lead up to Round 1.
CONTACT: juniors@footscrayhockey.com.au
PROGRAM Playing hockey at Under 14 level offers players an opportunity to develop their skills in night games lights on a Friday night. At FHC we try to get the players moving, learning the skills and playing and competing build strong foundations of movement skills and assist with social interaction. Not only will they develop their hockey skills they will also be able to make friends, be active, learn about the game and important skills – like leadership, decision making and team work. New players can learn the basic skills in the district competition while the more experienced players will be looking to develop their skills in preparation of moving into open age competition.
Uniform Team wear the FHC uniform available at our Hockey HQ Shop – footscrayhc.square.site
Under 16’s 2025
The Winter Competition is from May until September.
AGE GROUP Born 2010 & 2011
BULLDOGS ACADEMY: Friday 6 Feb – 6 March 2026
Click HERE for registration
TRAINING & GAMES:
Girls Teams Tuesday 5.30 pm – 6.45pm commencing Tue 3rd March
Boys Teams Thursday 5.30 pm – 6.45pm commencing Thur 26th Feb
Games are Saturday morning as fixtured by Hockey Victoria commencing Friday 1st May
TEAM TRIALS
Team trials will be the weeks 25th March – 3rd Apri during training times. Whilst not all children want to play in a Shield team, the sessions are run as a training session and no one is singled out. Team selection is sent out to each team member separately, not as a group email. Questions relating to selection are to be directed to the Junior Director in the first instance. There will also be some practice matches immediately following the holidays in the lead up to Round 1.
CONTACT: juniors@footscrayhockey.com.au
PROGRAM
Playing hockey at Under 16 level offers players an opportunity to develop their skills in night games lights on a Friday night. At FHC we try to get the players moving, learning the skills and playing and competing build strong foundations of movement skills and assist with social interaction. Not only will they develop their hockey skills they will also be able to make friends, be active, learn about the game and important skills – like leadership, decision making and team work. New players can learn the basic skills in the district competition while the more experienced players will be looking to develop their skills in preparation of moving into open age competition.
Uniform Teams wear the FHC uniform available at our Hockey HQ Shop – footscrayhc.square.site
Under 18’s 2026
The Winter Competition is from May until September.
AGE GROUP Born 2009 & 2008
*** Note we can have up to 3 players who are born 2007
BULLDOGS ACADEMY: Friday 6 Feb – 6 Mar 2026
Click HERE for registration
TRAINING & GAMES:
Monday 5.30-6.45pm commencing 1st March
Games are Friday evenings morning as fixtured by Hockey Victoria commencing 1st May
There will also be some practice matches in the lead up to Round 1.
CONTACT: juniors@footscrayhockey.com.au
Uniform Team wears the FHC uniform available at our Hockey HQ Shop – footscrayhc.square.site
TEAMS
Under 18 Mixed District North West
WILDCATS, SSV & STATE INFORMATION
WESTERN METRO WILDCATS (competes in the Junior State Championships)
This is a local region rep team forming a team of player from the following 5 clubs (FHC, ALT, WER, GEL, MEL), and is a great experience for those kids wishing to take their hockey a bit further. The Junior State Championships will be held in the first week of the July school holidays. If your child wishes to trial to play in the U13, U15 or U18 Western Wildcats, please contact the junior director.
SCHOOL SPORTS VICTORIA (SSV) U12 & U16 Hockey Team
School Sport Victoria work with a large majority of Primary and Secondary Schools with their sporting programs. In hockey there are opportunities for U12’s and U16’s to try out for the respective SSV teams. For more information about nominating your child for the SSV team, go to the SSV web-site to nominate. Before nominating, make sure your child’s school is one that participates in the SSV program, and you are eligible to nominate them.
VICTORIAN STATE HOCKEY TEAMS
The highest level of representation at this age is to play for Victoria under the banner of Hockey Victoria. Teams are U13’s, U15’s, U18’s, U21’s, Victorian Vipers, Victorian Vikings.
