Welcome to the NCHA Junior Country Championships!

Friday, May 16 - Sunday, May 18, 2025

 

The Junior Country Championships (JCC) is a fantastic weekend of hockey, played on turf at Melbourne's major hockey centres. This event is an excellent opportunity to improve skills, meet new players, and compete with teams from the NCHA against other associations around the state.

Schedule and Travel

Players will travel to Melbourne by bus on Friday afternoon. The first bus will depart around 1:00 PM from Sea Lake, followed by the 2:00 PM departure of bus two from Birchip. Please note that these departure times are earlier than those in previous years. Over the weekend, players will be transported to the hockey grounds for matches. On Sunday, they will return home after the final games.

Team Uniform and Requirements

Players will receive a team shirt, but they must bring their own black shorts or skorts and red socks (red socks are available for purchase during registration). We encourage players to stay with the group for the weekend. Parents are invited to volunteer as coaches, managers, or helpers.

Age Groups and Venues:

• Under 14 (Born 2011, 2012, or 2013 with priority given to 2011/2012 born): Essendon Hockey Centre

• Under 16 (Born 2009 or 2010): Greensborough Hockey Centre

• Under 18 (Born 2006, 2007, or 2008): State Netball/Hockey Centre, Parkville

Cost and Payment

The cost for the weekend is approximately $330 (final amount could be less and will be confirmed), which includes:

• Bus travel

• Accommodation

• Shirt hire

• Dinner on Friday

• Breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday

• Team entry fees and supplies

An initial non-refundable deposit of $50 is due with registration by 5:00 PM, Monday, April 7. Please check all details, including hoodie orders, before submitting your registration, as some information may auto complete from previous years.

Full payment, including any hoodie or sock order, must be submitted to your club’s JCC Coordinator by Friday, April 26.

Fundraising

For several years, NCHA has been absorbing the rising costs of the JCC tournament. Last year, we held a raffle to help cover expenses for this year’s event. However, despite these efforts, the rising costs and necessary change in accommodation (this year we will be staying at City CYC in Collins St), have led to an increase in JCC fees this year. We encourage clubs to fundraise as well to help reduce the financial burden on both players and parents. Parent helpers do an amazing job supporting the teams, and fundraising is a great way to ease their costs and show appreciation for their hard work.

Registration Link

https://www.revolutionise.com.au/northcentralha/events/288539

JCC Weekend Rules

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please follow these rules:

• No caffeine-containing drinks (e.g., Red Bull, Mother, etc.) or alcohol are allowed. These drinks will be confiscated if found.

• Mobile phones are permitted but will be collected at 10:00 PM each night and returned the next morning. For after-hours contact, parents should reach out to the team managers or parent assistants.

• Valuables are the responsibility of the players. We recommend leaving earbuds or other electronic gadgets at home to keep the focus on hockey and socializing.

• Inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. Managers reserve the right to contact parents and have players picked up early. All players have agreed to the Players Code of Conduct.

Volunteer Roles: Coach, Manager, or Helper

We rely on adult volunteers to ensure our participation in this event. If you are interested in coaching, managing, or helping as a parent assistant, please register at the following link: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/northcentralha/events/288542

Each team requires a coach, team manager, and at least two parent helpers. The cost for adults to attend is $200, with a $50 deposit at registration. Final payment is due by Friday, April 26.

Umpires

Expressions of interest for umpires close at 5:00 PM, Monday, March 31 with Hockey Victoria. HockeyVic aim to notify successful candidates within two weeks. To apply, please follow this link:
https://www.hockeyvictoria.org.au/surveys/7197

Uniforms and Apparel

• Red Socks are available for purchase at $15 per pair during registration.

• Black Skorts are available for $39.95 at Just Hockey (please order your own via the website).

• Hoodies:

  • Kids: K10, K12, K14

  • Adults (Men's sizing): S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 5XL

  • Zip Hoodie (Adults): S-Z, M-Z, L-Z, XL-Z, 2XL-Z, 3XL-Z, 4XL-Z

• Players can purchase a red hoodie during registration with the NCHA logo for $45.

• Adults can also purchase a $50 zip hoodie during registration.

• Check with your club’s JCC Coordinator for second-hand hoodie options.

• Sizes:

Additional Supporter Wear Available at Registration:

• Beanies ($15) – One size fits all

• Caps ($15) – One size fits all

Training, Information & Uniform Fitting

A training session will be held on Sunday, May 4 for all players, coaches, and parent helpers. It will include:

• Team fit-out with uniforms.

• Team introductions and meeting your coach, manager, and parent helpers.

• Skill sessions with specialist coaches

• Answering any questions about the weekend

Location: TBC (likely Charlton College tennis courts/synthetic turf area and Charlton Hockey Field)
Time: Confirmed closer to the date, usually from 9:15 AM - 12:30 PM

If there are more applicants than spots available, a trial will take place during training. Players not selected will receive a full refund of the registration fee.

Contact Information

For any questions about the JCC, please contact your club’s JCC representative or the
NCHA JCC coordinator Candece Jay, at: mob 0459 469 699 email nchajcc@gmail.com.

We look forward to a great weekend of hockey!