To help each and every student build a platform to develop their physiological capacity, hockey skills and match knowledge to become the best version of themselves on and off the pitch. To help improve their own club team performance.
Simon Archer Head of Hockey Academy
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We believe it’s important you find out everything you need to know before joining us, which is why we run 1:1 or small group Open Events to fit your needs throughout the year.
CONTENTS About Us 4 Academy Facts 5 Studying at Oaklands 6 Joining the Academy 7 Success Stories 8-11 Meet the Staff 12-13 Academy Kit 14 Residential Homestead 15
ABOUT US
Oaklands Wolves Hockey Academy has been established since 2017. Participation in our Hockey Academy is open to all students that have played hockey at School, club, county, Talent centres and junior internationals who are interested in improving their Hockey skills and abilities, while gaining further academic qualifications by studying a variety of academic programmes. The Hockey Academy is one of the only academies which allows you access to almost any course delivered at our St Albans Campus and most courses at the Welwyn Garden City Campus.
We pride ourselves as the only specialist Hockey Academy within the UK, offering indoor, outdoor, video analysis session in small groups or 1-1. Looking at Quality rather than quantity of training. If required there is an affordable residential provision that is linked to national league clubs and opportunities to play at the highest level possible. Oaklands students get opportunities to complete work experience and coaching within in a learning environment.
For more information please email simon.archer@oaklands.ac.uk
Progress, opportunities & what will I learn?
Each student’s hockey coaching & training programme will be managed individually, enabling you to maximise your academic study and hockey playing potential. The programme enables you to combine daily hockey coaching sessions with your academic studies. The player focused programme will encourage you to improve as an individual and as a team player; to develop your game knowledge, (with opportunities to go to England Colleges trials), compete against other colleges while, equally importantly, completing an appropriate academic course of study.
What do I need?
• Hockey knowledge from school, club, county or elite level.
• The required number of GCSEs or equivalent qualifications for the relevant academic course.
to learn, successful Assessment / Open day.
• Willingness
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ACADEMY
Strength and conditioning training
3 times a week
Opportunity to trial for England Colleges, national teams & local Hockey Clubs
Coaching sessions with industry experts and Olympic goldmedal winning coach & players.
Nutritional guidance
Physiotherapy Support
Individually tailored sessions with one-toone support.
For students aged 16-18
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On-site accommodation available
Fantastic indoor & outdoor training facilities
Facts
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 strong level of previous hockey experience and it is prefered 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.
ACADEMY
Success & Testimonials
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.
Paula Kolb
I came on a Gap year to play hockey in England & Sahc ladies 1XI, here at the home of Oaklands College. Long story short, I was introduced to the Head of Oaklands Hockey Academy. On my tour and assessment, I was informed, I could take a course here and have the opportunity of being in the Hockey program for my own development. Whilst here I represented Germany U18’s, I studied ESOL and played 1XI Team at St Albans. I went from being just a defender, to being comfortable playing anywhere on the pitch Ie circle to circle for all my teams. But if I was required to take a shot, I would tend to score, I got more out of setting my peeps up.
Lily Knott
Lily Knott studied animal care & English GCSE in the 1st year and pass in November in a resit, switched & studied sports coaching for 2yrs, represented England Colleges at U19s & U21s as a GK and played women’s 2XI at St Albans a Goalkeeper too. Now at Cardiff University continuing to study sports coaching and development and playing for the university 1st XI. I never thought university was on the cards, as I found School really hard. Once I found the right course and the support I got from my coaches John and Simon I Never looked back. I can’t believe how much I’ve improved and on my own game.
Here I learnt it is so much more enjoyable than that. I improved so much with John Hurst and Simon Archer Goalkeeping Coaching on a weekly basis.
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ACADEMY Success & Testimonials
John Bennett
Chose Oaklands College over repton private school due to the attention of details of hockey training, especially When it came to small group and one-to-one training. I learnt so much, thanks to our Head coach Simon Archer. He worked with me to achieve individually game and my understanding, shortly after joining the academy I gained a first team squad place. It was amazing opportunity & experience to live on site and I have Hockey on my doorstep. In my time at Oaklands, I was Residential student, represented Wales U16s & U18s, played in the Futures cup twice, I studied BTEC business. Now at Cardiff University, I have continued to process and have been selected to play for Wales U21s.
Tom Allen
A Residential student studied sport exercise science, when I arrived at Oaklands I was dropped from wales u16s, but with the quality of training I got at the hockey academy, I represented England Colleges boys & then later that year, I represented Wales U18s in my final year. Now at the University of Durham. Study in a continuation of sport exercise science at University. I never thought I would get in to this uni. So far I’m loving it. I really enjoy my time and course at Oaklands. I would recommend it to others, as long as you’re willing to put the work in, as this course isn’t all coursework and there’s an exam at the end.
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ACADEMY
Success & Testimonials
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 oneto-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.”
Olivia Richardson
I am studying sports & exercise science course combined with the Hockey Academy, of which I have been selected to play for England college girls squad, so far this has helped me develop my game with my club Southgate HC women’s performance squad and the Talent centre I attend on the England Pathway.
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
Firstly Simon, Thank you for this opportunity and all your time you put in to making the transition from Warwickshire special education school (EHCP) to Oaklands College and residential student also combining to be in the Hockey Academy. In my first year I travelled back home to Barton Hc in Coventry to play my hockey. Now to the growth and opportunities on and off the pitch, I have gain being apart of this Hockey Academy. I recently have been asked to train with Oxted HC 1&2s performance squad and Play in there Mens 2s. I am set to pass mainstream college, this I thought I would never say, I may even get a distinction, which I thought I’d never get. I have loved it here at Oaklands College. It’s properly set me up for life. I am dreams to one day play and coach 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 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 Ladies 3 & 4s at St Albans HC. Hopefully soon, I get an opportunity to push myself in the performances squads higher in the club.
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MEET THE STAFF
SIMON ARCHER Head of Academy
Simon has coached Hockey for 16 years, He’s coached many junior county & club sides, adults teams to unbeaten seasons, Lots of League Promotions, No relegation to date, Lead a Wales Ladies Master program. Coached international Gks with John Hurst for a number of years and been apart of the England College Girls coaching team. He Specialises in Coaching Both Goalkeepers and outfield players in 1-1s or in a small group format, to bring the best out of them.
I have been playing hockey for 25 years. I started to game play both on pitch and in Gk in my junior years for Club, County and regional Level aged 15, aged 16 I was selected to train on the pitch with Scotlands u16 & u18 squad. From this point I choose to continue my playing career on the pitch as an outfielder. I have played at Both National League and Premier Level in Both the UK and New Zealand. Each experience has made me who I am today.
Simon Founded the Oaklands Wolves Hockey Academy and his invaluable experience and contacts have helped to produce some talented players to date.
“ The Aim is to give everyone the opportunity to develop their Hockey game without having to pay money. Deliver Quality rather then quantity training sessions and improve the individuals to get better on the pitch for there respective clubs ”
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JOHN HURST
Former England GK Coach, Hockey Academy Specialist Volunteer
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.
JOE ELLIS 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
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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.
TRAINING ACADEMY LINKS
Next Goal Wins (NGW)
NGW are a sports brand specialising in bespoke teamwear, headwear and accessories. Forming a great partnership with the academy and providing students with products and garments to test for free.
ACADEMY KIT
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Above are examples of the purchasable kit required for students of our Hockey Academy.
RESIDENTIAL Homestead
Oaklands is proud to be able to offer a state-of-the-art Residential Homestead for its student athletes. If you’d like to get a taste of what it is like to live away from home whilst pursuing a professional career in sport, please apply for residential accommodation. Particularly if you wish to progress to American Scholarships after College, our residential complex can help you recognise if you’re ready for that journey, without having to cross the Atlantic.
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 accomodate 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.
