Saturday Morning Hockey Program

Saturday Morning Hockey Program

Five-year-olds are welcome. A child aged four or five can begin with the preschool/Under 6 introductory activities. Children learn through movement, simple games and gentle first experiences with a stick and ball — not a selection trial or formal adult-style hockey. In 2027, the younger groups (U6/U8) meet Saturdays 10–11 am from 13 February on GRN-2. Under 10 is a different group at 9–10 am. A first Saturday trial is possible before regular registration. 2027 Saturday starter fees and inclusions will be available in February 2027. Ask about your first visit and what to bring; there is no need to commit to registration for an initial trial.

Saturday Morning Hockey welcomes preschool-aged children through Under 10. In 2027, Saturday sessions run from 13 February to 28 August during school terms, excluding public holiday weekends. Under 10 runs 9:00–10:00 am; Under 6 and Under 8 run 10:00–11:00 am. All regular sessions are on GRN-2, coordinated by Colin Riordan. There are no sessions on 6 March, 27 March, 3 April, 10 April, 24 April, 12 June, 26 June, 3 July or 10 July. On 15 May Under 6 and Under 8 do not run; Under 10 is expected to play away from GHC, subject to confirmation of the Junior Country Championships. It focuses on skill development, confidence and enjoyment. If you are unsure whether a session is running, ask us before visiting. Exploring a first visit? Ask us what to expect. Ready to join? Register. Unsure which option fits your child? Ask a question.

Your first Saturday hockey visit

Where and when: Greensborough Hockey Centre, Plenty War Memorial Park, Memorial Drive, Plenty VIC 3090. Regular sessions are on GRN-2. In 2027, Under 10 starts at 9:00 am; Under 6 and Under 8 start at 10:00 am. See the location and first-visit access information.

What to bring: comfortable sports clothing, suitable shoes and a water bottle. Hockey activities may also require a mouthguard, shin guards and stick. Check the equipment guidance and ask the club before attending if anything is missing; Saturday loan equipment is not guaranteed.

What happens: children join an age-appropriate group, enjoy movement and simple hockey games, and build confidence at their own pace. Age groups are flexible guides. Your child can try a session before committing to regular registration.

Before you travel: check the parent questions for school-holiday and public-holiday breaks, or ask about your first visit if you are unsure which group, equipment or access arrangements apply.

Saturday morning hockey is Greensborough’s entry and development program for young children and families who want to begin hockey in a way that feels welcoming, age-appropriate and easy to understand.

The program starts with preschool-aged children and continues through to Under 10.

Across those age groups, the goal is not to make children’s hockey look like a miniature version of the adult game. The goal is to help children join in, move safely, enjoy being part of the group, build confidence and begin learning hockey in the right way for their age and stage.

For some families, this is a chance to get a taste of a new sport.
For others, it becomes a season of participation.
For some children, it can be the beginning of a longer involvement with hockey.

The first step does not need to feel like a lifelong commitment. It can simply be a chance to see whether hockey feels right for your child.

Saturday morning hockey includes three main parts:

  • U6 introductory hockey (including preschool beginners)
  • U8 development hockey
  • U10 development hockey with a competition that gives players opportunities to apply and develop their skills

Under 10 players can also attend optional Thursday development training from 11 February 2027, 5:30–6:30 pm, outside school holidays. Younger groups do not have Thursday night training.

Each part of the program is designed to suit the age and readiness of the children taking part.

If you are new to hockey, the main thing to know is this:
children’s hockey does not need to look like adult hockey in order to be working well.

A good early program helps children feel safe, capable and excited to come back.

That is what Saturday morning hockey is designed to do.

What is my child learning?

Enjoyment, confidence, varied movement and belonging come first. Explore the U6, U8 and U10 learning explanations, each with an example and ways parents can encourage. These are adaptable starting points, not age tests or a promise of a particular session.