In 2020, England Hockey published proposals for a change in strategy for Talent Development called “A New Way Forward”
Full details of the current proposals can be found here but the main changes are the creation of Talent Centres at clubs within our Area and which will have England Hockey accreditation ensuring they meet high standards of coaching, experiences and environment. Talent Schools which give high priority to hockey will also be established and will attract support with coach development. County Hockey will continue to have a role at a Development Level but this will no longer be the only path through to higher representational hockey.
These changes are taking place in the very near future and it is therefore vital that Clubs and Schools are aware of the plans and participate in consultations to make sure all voices are heard. If you would like any further information on these changes please contact us at secretary@wiltshirehockey.co.uk.
The aspirations are:
To create
A phenomenal ‘talent pipeline’ which the hockey community in England and Great Britain is proud of.
Exceptional talent development environments which breed competition for places at every level and leads to a vibrant elite game in England, English clubs excelling in European club hockey and role models inspiring through consistent international success.
A talent identification and development system which attracts and excites young people irrespective of their background and inspires them to be the best they can be, and which values both current performance and future potential.
The following factors have been identified as driving the need for change:
We aspire to be consistently top three in the world in both genders. To achieve this, we need to change. We see real opportunity in domestic hockey and a new talent system to bridge the gap to the best in the world.
To develop a broader and more diverse talent pool. There is a huge opportunity to address and increase the diversity of the talent pool (and workforce).
We see exceptional European club performance as a critical component of a shared club and England Hockey vision. Supporting a vibrant elite domestic game and competing and winning in Europe, requires a change in approach.
Some players will progress in our system to be senior elite players, some will reach their potential before then. Regardless of the progression a player makes, it should be a positive enriching experience. The player experience falls short in too many instances. (Evidenced by the Talent System Survey).
Our future system must be built to mitigate for bias in how we identify, select and develop talented players. Bias has been cited too frequently about the decisions that are made in the current pathway. (Evidenced by the Talent System Survey and Player Pathway Committee reviews).
Greater emphasis and value must be placed on future potential (alongside current performance) in the identification and selection of talented players. Current performances are at times over emphasised in selection decisions and a greater focus on and understanding of future potential is required.
