What are Dragon Development Centres (DDC)?
Dragon Development Centres are the main entry point into the Hockey Wales Pathway.
Aimed at players 13 to 18 years old (school year 9 to U18 National Age Group, international competition age not school year for this upper end) sessions are designed to develop game-based skills as well as improve knowledge of the game and set pieces.
Unlike the Junior Dragon Centres, players in Dragon Development Centres will be continuously assessed and nominated to move up the Pathway to our Regional Performance Centres should the coaches believe the player is ready and capable.
Joining the pathway was so different to playing with my local club. I was introduced to a strength and conditioning programme, intensified training sessions and a group of amazing coaches that supported me through my development as I progressed through the age-groups. Fitness testing was always something very nerve-racking to me as a younger player but it felt really good to work towards a goal together as a team.
- Izzie Howell
Where can I join a
Dragon Development Centre?
There are two ways to join our Dragon Development Centres:
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Coach nomination when a player is too old for our Junior Dragon Development Centres
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Assessment sessions in September for those that are late entries into the Pathway and were not involved in previous Development Centre activity.