First Steps in the County Player Pathway

The DC program is the first step on the Berkshire County Player Pathway after club and school hockey. It is for committed and enthusiastic players who want to take their hockey to the next level. Players who complete the DC program may then be selected for the Academy Centre (AC) program and will be playing competitive matches against other counties in early 2026

County Trials for U13 and U14 Boys and Girls

This year we will be starting the DC program with County Trials for U13 and U14 girls and boys. Our young players will receive intensive coaching during the Trials and the Coaches will have a good opportunity to assess them.

After the Summer

We expect that most of these players will be invited to continue training on Friday evenings in our DC program in the Autumn when we will then be running a further 3 or 4 training sessions for these age groups as a lead up to final selection for the AC program.

AC Selection

For those selected to go on to AC, we will then be able to start the AC program earlier so that the players are better prepared for the inter-County matches.

Who it’s for

While we are looking for promising young players to enter the DC program, the County Trials will be open to anyone in the appropriate age range who are keen to demonstrate their ability and hope to be able to play for County.

Goal Keepers

For Goal Keepers there are four additional evening coaching and evaluation sessions at Yately. There is no additional charge for players enrolled in the County Trials, but for those unable to attend the County Trials participation in the GK Evening Training is available separately.