I’m sure over the last 12 months you will have seen the club talk in various communications about “Talent Centre” and that SHC is applying to become an accredited Talent Centre later this year. We therefore thought it would be helpful to set out what a Talent Centre is and why it’s important to us all at SHC.

So what is Talent Centre Accreditation?

Talent Centres are a new initiative that form part of England Hockey’s ‘Talent Development – A New Way Forward’ strategy which aims to offer high quality coaching and multiple opportunities for young players.

A Talent Centre club is a club that provides high quality provision for players at early talent development level (Talent Foundations) up to age 15. This provision must be embedded within the club’s junior programme. Talent Centre accreditation recognises the quality of a club’s talent development environment and provision (i.e. how we do it), not individual players.

England Hockey will recognise, through accreditation, environments within the Talent System that provide high quality talent development – it’s all about recognising and harnessing potential at all levels. SHC has been chosen to be among the first cohort of clubs working towards Talent Centre accreditation this year. In time, England Hockey envisage the operation of around 100-120 Talent Centres so that every child has reasonable access to one or more of these opportunities if they wish to and if it is right for them.

The Talent Strategy purposely applies an ‘elite’ lens to hockey. It aspires to increase the strength and depth of talented players across England and support sustained international success. However, it is much wider than that; it is about transforming the opportunities and experiences for young hockey players and will sit alongside wider participation programmes.

Further information can be found on the England Hockey website here:
England Hockey: Talent Centre

Why is it important to SHC?

Talent Centre accreditation aligns entirely with SHC’s long term strategy to continue to nurture potential at all levels.

For SHC to continue to thrive we believe it is critical for us continue to be a home for players of all ages and ability levels with a clear pathway for everyone, regardless of their experience and when they decide to pick up a hockey stick.
By gaining Talent Centre accreditation, we will demonstrate that we offer an inclusive, progressive and fun experience at all levels including offering opportunities for young people to start their hockey journey at whatever age they come to the game.

What happens next?

To support SHC in gaining Talent Centre accreditation, a Talent Centre Sub-Committee has been put in place which includes our Junior Programme Co-ordinators, Hockey Development Officer, Welfare Officer and Club Chair and Secretary amongst others. The process of assessment is already on-going, with the hope that we will in a position to gain Talent Centre accreditation before the start of next season – however there is still a lot to do between now and then.

If you feel you could assist us in our journey with regards to any element of junior player development, then please contact: Ray Wright, Hockey Development Officer: sheffieldhdo@gmail.com.