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ESM Hockey Club Youth Section launched in 2009 and today it is made up of over 250 fantastic young people who love playing hockey together.
The Youth Section welcomes boys and girls from P3 to S6 (under 18) of any ability and from any school.
All those aged 14 and above are eligible to play for the Club’s adult teams. On the advice of the under-16 coaches, some S4s will be invited to move to adult training, for their further development.
If you’re interested in joining a friendly and fun youth hockey club in Edinburgh, please see the joining page for details of membership subscriptions. Also see the FAQs below for more information.
All youth training takes place at our Inverleith pitch, East Fettes Avenue.
The main hockey season runs from late August until Mid May.
| Group | Training day | Start time | Finish time | Current availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P3 | Sunday | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Spaces are available |
| P4 | Wednesday | 6:00 PM | 7:15 PM | No spaces available |
| P5 | Wednesday | 6:00 PM | 7:15 PM | No spaces available |
| P6 | Monday | 6:00 PM | 7:15 PM | Spaces are available |
| P7 | Monday | 5:45 PM | 7:15 PM | Spaces are available |
| S1 - S2 Girls | Thursday | 5:45 PM | 7:15 PM | No spaces available |
| S1 - S2 Boys | Tuesday | 5:45 PM | 7:15 PM | No spaces available |
| S3 - S4 Girls | Thursday | 5:45 PM | 7:15 PM | Spaces are available |
| S3 - S4 Boys | Tuesday | 5:45 PM | 7:15 PM | Spaces are available |
| GKs | Sunday | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Spaces are available |
Please do not register for any groups that do not have current availability. Instead, contact us if you would like to join the waiting list.
Parents/guardians of prospective members must join before attending sessions, because we have a strict minimum coach:player ratio to maintain, for safety reasons.
We continue hockey training during the summer term for some age groups, as well as entering summer tournaments. Additional costs apply for this.
We also run hockey camps for children and youth players in Edinburgh during the October, Easter and summer holidays.
The Club enters various teams in the East District U14 and U12 Leagues, with matches roughly every second Sunday morning at Meggetland or MES throughout the season.
Age group categories are based on the age of the child before 1 January in the hockey season.
The club also nominates players to attend East District Trials and Scotland Talent days. We have had many players represent East District at U14 and U16.
The Youth Section’s philosophy is focused on allowing players to learn new skills whilst having fun, making friends and giving everyone an equal opportunity to play in matches.
We use an expertly structured and organised age-appropriate training programme and provide specialist training sessions for goalkeepers.
Hockey should be enjoyable and a sociable experience. Players also learn best when they’re enjoying themselves.
ESM coaches make training fun with a mix of exciting drills, matches and games.
The Club is a family-focused, safe and caring environment, where everyone is welcome.
The Club involves parents as volunteers and at various social events. The links between the Youth and Senior Sections are also very strong. Lots of senior players are coaches and many graduated from playing in the Youth teams.
Encouragement and constructive feedback is essential for developing confidence as well as skills.
With a coach:player ratio of at least 1:10, we can ensure that every player receives lots of useful feedback. Our coaches are well qualified, trained and supported to undertake this important role.
Respect between players, coaches, umpires and spectators is vital to maintain a positive learning environment.
We ask all players to adhere to our Code of Conduct – an important commitment that is reinforced by example and guidance from the coaching teams.
Training is overseen by a very experienced group of coaches, many of whom also play for the club’s senior teams.
Please see the joining page for details. Subscriptions are reviewed annually at our AGM and confirmed well before each season starts.
Yes – new members must first be registered (for safety reasons etc.) but can then attend up to two trial training sessions before subscription payments fall due. Please ensure you pay the subscription promptly after the second session, or contact us to let us know if your child will not be returning to training, so the place can be offered to another player.
Yes – all players must wear a gum shield and shin guards for both training and matches.
Yes! Sticks can be borrowed initially and coaches can advise on purchase of your own stick in due course.
Initially, trainers will be fine. But special astros shoes do have a better grip and would be a good long-term option.
No. Under its rules, players must be registered with Scottish Hockey (for insurance purposes) and can only be registered with one Scottish hockey club. Only players registered with ESM Hockey Club may train and play with the Club. This allows the maximum number of young people to enjoy playing hockey, which would not be possible if individual players occupied places in more than one club.
Goalkeeper training is suitable for players in P7 to S4. We will offer taster sessions of goalkeeping for the younger age groups during the season.
We try to keep sessions on wherever possible. Astros are generally only unplayable if frozen. We will update the Youth Section Facebook page by 5pm prior to training if the session is cancelled.
We take the health and safety of our youth players very seriously.