4 minute read
AN INTRODUCTION TO HOCKEY
Small Sticks
– a great introduction to hockey
Small Sticks is our nationally branded junior participation programme – the perfect introduction to our fast and fun game.
The aim is to provide a quality hockey experience for children and whānau to foster a lifelong love of hockey. It’s all about playing with friends and learning new skills in a fun, safe and gamesbased environment. Small Sticks is made up of four different modules all tailored to a child’s age and ability, letting them play through modified versions of the game with appropriate equipment and game formats for their level of development; simply the right stuff, with the right people, in the right way. The first module is Fun Sticks and, as the name suggests, it’s all about introducing children to hockey in a safe and exciting way. Aimed at five- and six-year-olds, the focus is on developing fundamental movement and basic hockey skills such as running, striking, as well as body and space awareness. As children get older and their skills progress, they move on to the next phase of the junior programme focused on basic hockey skills and being part of a team. Mini Sticks, aimed at seven- and ight-year-olds, sees a six-a-side version of the game divided into two options; development and standard competitions. This provides those brand-new to the sport an opportunity at any point to join in at their level and experience. By the time the children reach the age of nine, they’re moving on to Kiwi Sticks, before continuing through the programme on to Kiwi and finally Kwik Sticks.
The small-sided game format provides a more effective learning environment for the children maximising participation and more touches of the ball.
The success of Small Sticks stems from having a nationally consistent approach to game formats, lesson plans, coach and umpire development material, equipment, communication, along with consistent branding. This has enabled us to provide a more consistent hockey experience which is available to more people throughout New Zealand.
The goal with Small Sticks is to provide a positive experience for children and whānau and to nurture a lifelong love of hockey.
Small Sticks isn’t just about getting children involved as a player, hockey can easily become a family affair. Parents and whānau make great coaches, managers and umpires at this level. Our associations around the country provide great support and ongoing development no matter what experience you have. Fun Sticks is a 12-week programme which runs through clubs and schools around the country, while Mini, Kiwi and Kwik Sticks are normally run over 16 weeks during terms two and three. If you would like to know more, please visit: www.hockeynz.co.nz.
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Hundreds of NZ education providers are throwing away their ‘KEEP OF THE GRASS’ signs in favour of weather-proof, durable artificial grass that keeps kids being active. A SIP funded SmartGrass™ sports court and artificial lawn has dramatically enhanced the appearance of the outdoor area at Wairakei School, adding vibrancy and colour that the students love. Principal, Shane Buckner, says: “
The area didn’t look very inviting and the kids didn't use it. Now we’re finding our children are here all the time, practicing cartwheels, somersaults and dance moves.
To create an outstanding outdoor space for children to play and learn at your school, get in touch with SmartGrass today.
0800 887 369 smartgrass.co.nz hello@smartgrass.co.nz
Two great thirst quenching solutions, ONE
school of thought.
For teachers and students with more than a thirst for knowledge the answers are quite academic; two great thirst quenching drinking systems from our extensive range.
✔Boiling and chilled drinking water on tap ✔ Highest capacity units available - easily cope with school staff breaks ✔ No noise or unsightly cupboard vents - easy to retrofit ✔ Most compact & energy-efficient units in their class ✔ Over sink, or separate drained drip tray ✔ Only brand to achieve Gold Global Greentag certification ✔ Bottle fillers and drinking fountains ✔ Fully sensor-operated touch-free models available
✔Combination models available ✔ Green ticker counts bottles saved from going to landfill ✔ Vandal resistant options ✔ Indoor/outdoor options
And we’re not just giving ourselves top marks, here’s what some enlightened clients think!
Christine Mackie, Palmerston North Boys’ High School
...with close to 200 students in our hostel, we never run out of hot or cold water during meal times.
Todd Hoar, Samuel Marsden Collegiate School
This is great for the environment as well as being safe due to the auto sensor, meaning no buttons are needed to be touched when refilling your own bottle.
