Performance Centres were launched in January 2017. Performance Centres are run by the regions, are lead by Performance Centre Head Coaches and are supported by Centre Managers and Administrators. There are 2 centres in the East Region at Bury & Northwood.
Players attend evening training sessions and take part in weekend training and competition, meeting approximately twice a month. There are 17 Performance Centres across the Country, and players will attend the centre closest to them. As part of the Performance Centre programme, centres will compete against each other. There are two types of Performance Centre competition:
- Cluster Competitions are held between four or five Performance Centres at a central location. Each squad plays two matches per competition. There will be three Cluster Competitions per season.
- Training Competitions are held between two or three Performance Centres and will usually be held at a current centre location. Squads will take part in training followed by a match or triangular fixture with the other squad/s attending the competition day.
Players enter Performance Centres at the start of the season. There are then two points during the year where they may return to Academy Centres. At the end of the Performance Centre programme in July, players may be selected to attend the England Hockey Futures Cup.
How do players get involved:
- Players are usually nominated to attend a Performance Centre by their Academy Centre Coaches.
- Players can be nominated from age 14-17.
- Players who consistently show their talent and potential are invited to attend Performance Centres.