Oaklands Wolves Hockey Booklet 23/24

Simon Archer Head of Hockey Academy

Simon.archer@oaklands.ac.uk

ABOUT US

Our Background

Established in 2017, The Hockey Academy runs in conjunction to academic studies post GCSE level (or similar). The Academy is a mix of talented club players, Talent Academy, and junior internationals

Did you Know

Oaklands is the only Hockey Academy in the UK that combines hockey, education, the opportunity to live in a residential accommodation and access to a national club.

We can help you fulfil your hockey and academic potential

With more than 25 students on board, the academy gives YOU the chance to:-

• Access indoor training facilities, including indoor hockey pitches and high performance gym, physiotherapy support and nutritional provision.

• 1:1 support with experienced lead coach Simon Archer & Goal Keeper specialist John Hurst.

• Team photo change to page 9, 3rd bullet point: “The opportunity to trial for local clubs, including on site national league club St Albans HC, as well as England Colleges.

• Compete in national level competitions.

ACADEMY

Fantastic indoor & outdoor training facilities

Opportunity to trial for England Colleges, national teams & local Hockey Clubs

Strength and conditioning training 3 times a week

Individually tailored sessions with one-toone support.

Coaching sessions with industry experts and Olympic goldmedal winning coach & players.

Nutritional and Physiotherapy support

Study any subject (combination of BTEC and A levels)

On-site accommodation available

For students aged 16-19

MEET THE STAFF

SIMON ARCHER Head of Academy

Simon has coached hockey for over 2 decades, with a wealth of experience with both senior and junior sides. A player himself, Simon began his journey in goal. Suffering the effects of having an England international as a sister, Simon found that although he enjoyed playing in goal, he didn’t so much enjoy having his sister smash balls at him 24/7, and age 15, switched to on pitch. A Scotland junior international, he has played Premier League in both New Zealand and England and states that his experiences, both playing here abroad have made him who he is today.

Not a single relegation to date, Simon has worked with a range of teams, achieving unbeaten seasons and plenty of league promotions on the way! Having been diagnosed with dyslexia following school, Simon’s visual and analytical approach to coaching, offers something unique and different and allows players to really explore how they play their hockey. Working with both international outfielders, and goalkeepers, Simon can offer a perspective that not many others have, and that current Oaklands students love to have access to.

Simon specialises in small group, and 1:1 training, as he believes that is what is best to really bring the best out of each player.

Simon founded the Hockey Academy with the aim to improve each and every player that has come through the door, and since it’s creation, has helped to unlock the talent of all the players who have come through the door. “I am so excited for the future of the Academy! We’ve had our most numbers ever this year and I just can’t wait to see how we continue to progress!”

JOHN HURST

Hockey Academy Assistant Coach

JOE ELLIS

John played for England both indoor and outdoor, as well as playing for Great Britain.

A member of Team GB at six Olympic Games and five Commonwealth Games and former manager of England and GB Women between 2013 & 2016, John is a key ambassador of Oaklands Wolves Hockey Academy.

With over 100 international appearances in Champions’ Trophies, European and World Cups, John’s knowledge and gold medal winning experience is paramount to the success and development of our students.

Strength and Conditioning Lead

Joe is the Lead Strength & Conditioning coach across multiple academies at Oaklands College, having spent six years working with the Oaklands Wolves Academies.

With a MSc in Strength & Conditioning from Chester University, Joe supports students by leading gym sessions focusing on enhancing and maintaining their condition, ensuring they are at their best physically for a gruelling and competitive season of hockey.

Physio can be accessed and assessments can be completed at the start of the year and monitored throughout the year

STUDYING at Oaklands

The College offers a broad spectrum of courses, ranging from BTEC Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications as well as a range of A Levels which can combined to ensure every student can choose the appropriate academic pathway that suits their individual aspirations.

Students are expected to engage fully in their studies and there is regular communication with tutors and coaches to ensure all students are on target academically.

If players are falling short of expectations regarding their attendance and/or completion of required work and assignments, students can be withdrawn from playing and/or training.

Timetable Clashes

There are sometimes academic timetable clashes with training times, which we will work together to try to avoid where possible, in the event that these are unavoidable, players must recognise their academic commitments will always take priority over hockey..

Maths & English

It is an expectation that all students without GCSE’s in English and Maths (graded at 4 or above) will retake English and/or Maths alongside their main programme, either as a GCSE or Functional Skills Qualification.

Student Advice Team

Oaklands College has an excellent student advice team who can support students with any pastoral needs. There are trained support tutors available in the Learning Resource Centre to support students with assignment work, outside of lessons.

Additional Learning Support

Students also have access to additional learning support for students with particular needs, either on a one to one basis or through in-class support, as well as special exam arrangements if required.

JOINING the Academy

Am I eligible?

All members of the academy programme must be enrolled as a student at Oaklands College. Students must be 16 or 17 years old on 1st September of the year of entry.

Places may be offered on the programme subject to successful application and trial.

Students who wish to join the Academy need to be registered on a course with Oaklands College for the academic year starting September.

In order to be eligible for the Oaklands Wolves Hockey Academy, it is desirable that they have a good level of previous hockey experience and it is preferred that they have some experience at County Level.

Am I suitable?

Students applying for the academy programme are expected to have a real dedication towards improving as hockey players, students and as people.

A deep-rooted passion for the sport is the starting point for any successful academy player, accompanied by a willingness to work hard on all aspects of their game.

Students on the programme are expected to be self-motivated, and will be guided to become independent and self-organised in all aspects of their life.

The programme constitutes a significant time commitment on top of your academic studies. Learning to balance all aspects of the academy programme and day to day college life are key to success.

RESIDENTIAL Homestead

The College has a limited number of residential accommodation spaces available. The new residential homestead can accommodate over 80 students in a secure, state-of-theart facility complete with student lounge and communal kitchen space.

Residential students have the opportunity to play (and work!) for St. Albans Hockey Club as a means of travel to and from away fixtures, however, are still very much able to play and travel to their home clubs.

Should you wish to apply for residential accommodation at the College, this should be included in the online application when prompted.

Residential

The College has a limited number of residential accommodation spaces available for students who live further afield.

Should you wish to apply for residential accommodation at the College, this should be included in the online application when prompted.

Detailed residential application packs will then be distributed for completion and places will be allocated accordingly.

The new residential homestead will accommodate over 80 students in a secure, state-of-the-art facility complete with student lounge and communal kitchen space.

Residential students are advised to play for St. Albans Hockey Club as a means of travel to and from away fixtures and

helping out in the club whilst not in timetabled college hours.

Scholarships & Bursaries

We have a scholarship fund which helps support gifted players with living, travel or kit costs.

Scholarship allocations are assessed and offered on an individual basis, and fulfilling the eligibility criteria does not necessarily guarantee an offer of a scholarship.

Additionally for students from lowincome families, financial support may be available to support with these costs. For more information, contact us via email at info@oaklands.ac.uk or call 01727 737000.

TRAINING

Our Hockey Academy support team are fully trained, licensed coaches with specialist experience and qualifications within their designated fields, working alongside the academy to support its student athletes. The Academy training schedule works around the Oaklands College Academic schedule with training sessions, usually taking place in the morning from 9:30AM to 12:00PM.

ACADEMY LINKS

Next Goal Wins (NGW)

NGW are a sports brand specialising in bespoke team wear, headgear and accessories. Forming a great partnership with the academy and providing students with products and garments to test for free.

ACADEMY KIT

Above are examples of the purchasable kit required for students of our Hockey Academy.

ACADEMY

Success & Testimonials

Ollie Foot

Ollie, a current England junior international, thrived at Oaklands thanks to the top-notch coaching that refined his goalkeeping and helped him in achieving selection for the England u18s. He balances his intense training with Sport and Exercise Science studies, creating a perfect recipe for success on and off the pitch.

“I’m absolutely thrilled with my choice to join Oaklands! I feel I’ve made huge goalkeeping progress, thanks to Simon & John, and I’m really excited for the chance to compete for a place in the U18 Euros squad. Studying Sport & Exercise Science has definitely enhanced my on-field performance, and my timetable also perfectly balances training and recovery!.

Olivia Richardson

I’m a second year at the college and am continuing to enjoy my experience as an Oaklands college student and as a part of the Oaklands hockey academy. I loved being the captain of the hockey academy throughout the time I have been here, and am especially excited at the prospect of the second half of the college season. Being a member of the hockey academy allows me to take time to improve my hockey skills, develop teamwork and leadership qualities. I have built good relationships with my teammates who have helped me to advance in the sport. I have found that this academy to be a great opportunity for all players to progress, as both girls and boys to play and train together. This allows for us to learn the different ways the game to be played. It also fosters a diverse and supportive environment, promoting gender equality within our academy and providing opportunities for everyone. I am studying for a level 3 extended diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, which is perfect for me as I love sport and this course has given me a more beneficial understanding of the science behind sports performance as a female athlete.

ACADEMY Success & Testimonials

John Bennett

John chose Oaklands College over Repton private school due to the attention to detail of hockey training, and particular small group and one-to-one training opportunities. “Thanks to Simon and John, both my technical and game understanding improved significantly, and shortly after joining the academy I was selected in the St Albans men’s 1st team, playing in the national league. It was an amazing opportunity and experience to live on site and have hockey on my doorstep. In my time as a residential, and Level 3 BTEC business, Oaklands student, I represented both Wales U16s & U18s, and played in Futures cup twice. Now at Cardiff University, I have continued to progress and have been selected to play for Wales U21s.

Tom Allen

A residential student who studied Sport and Exercise Science, Tom arrived at Oaklands having been dropped from Wales u16s, but within less than a year of training and playing at Oaklands, was selected and subsequently captained Wales u18s. Having also represented England Colleges, Tom credits his success to the excellent training provided at Oaklands as well as the great environment for learning. Now at the University of Durham, Tom is studying Sports Science. “I never thought I would get into this uni and so far I’m loving it! I really enjoyed my time and course at Oaklands, and I would recommend it anyone with a passion for hockey and willingness to learn.

Success & Testimoni-

Callum Burr

Oaklands Wolves Hockey Academy Current student

Callum plays Ice Hockey for Bracknell Under 18s and has represented England Ice Hockey at Junior Level.

“I’ve really enjoyed being part of the Oaklands Wolves Hockey Academy. I have benefited from the one-to-one coaching as well as strength & conditioning sessions, which have developed me as a player of both Field and Ice Hockey.

In terms of our academy coaching, Simon goes above and beyond for all Hockey players, ensuring we are all getting the most out of our academy experience and we’ve all benefited from his expertise.”

Mitch Cusk

(Residential student) represented England Colleges boys, studied sports coaching, now 3rd year student, studying personal training. Plays at SAHC men’s 1&2s, Buckinghamshire county & England Colleges.

Xavier Stott

Coming from a special education school in Warwickshire, I knew that my transition into residential at Oaklands college would be tough; however, I cannot speak higher of Simon and John, and how welcoming and amazing they were for me. In my first year at Oaklands I travelled back home to Barton HC, near my home in Coventry, to play my hockey, however following a successful first year of improvement and development here at Oaklands I got the opportunity to train and play with the Premier League club Oxted and their performance squad. Passing mainstream college is something I never thought I’d say and achieving that with distinctions is something I’d never thought possible. Oaklands has really set me up for life, and put me on the path for achieving my dreams of playing and coaching abroad!

Zara Mohammedbhai

I am studying sports & exercise science course plus 1x A Level biology and I combined with the Hockey Academy. I really want to go to uni after college. My College sorted my timetable so I would not miss many hockey sessions. With the training I’ve been given at the start of the year, it’s allowed me to grow as a hockey player and my understanding of the game, I was so pleased to hear that I have been selected to play for England college girls. My Oaklands Coach (Simon Archer) gave me an opportunity of 1-1 sessions and I really grew with this. I train and play with the St Albans Ladies

ACADEMY

Success & Testimonials

Morgan Sayce

Another current 1st year student, Morgan found the residential at Oaklands, combined with the hockey provision and extensive range of courses would be the perfect choice for his post 16 education. A current Wales junior international, Morgan has captained the u18 team on a number of occasions and has benefited particularly from the 1:1 technical skill coaching available at Oaklands. “I have really enjoyed my time at Oaklands so far, and I am excited for the future. The fact that I can play at national league club St Albans on site is great as it means I am exposed to top quality regular hockey within 2 minutes walk of my accommodation. By playing at SAHC is also great, because the coaches have a direct link to Simon and John, who can then really help me focus on my particular weaknesses in preparation for the next match or training session.” Alongside hockey, Morgan studies a Level 3 Sports and Exercise Science BTEC. “The fact that my course is coursework based is amazing! I don’t have to stress about too many exams, and can manage my time effectively so that I can work on my coursework but also train in the best mindset as well!”

Archie Knowles

Archie is a residential student who studies engineering at the Welwyn Garden City campus, whilst also juggling playing hockey at the St Albans campus. “After being an Oaklands residential student/athlete for a year now, I’m proud to say I’ve enjoyed every second of it. Last year I was stuck on my choice of course, it seemed to be a handful travelling to the Welwyn Garden City campus for my classes and balancing it with training whilst living on site, but the team at Oaklands really helped me through my choices. The coaching and training program at Oaklands is fantastic, and without it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”