About the Talent System

England Hockey's aspiration is to create:

• A phenomenal generation of players which the hockey community in England and Great Britain are proud of
• Exceptional talent development environments which breed competition for places at every level and lead to a vibrant elite game in England.
• English clubs excelling in European club hockey and role models inspiring through consistent international success.
• A player identification and development system which attracts and excites young people and inspires them to be the best they can be and which values both current performance and future potential
• Safe, enjoyable and inclusive talent development environments with a duty of care for everyone's wellbeing

Talent Academies

England Hockey Statement:

Talent Academies are intended for the highest potential 15 – 18-year-old players, replacing Performance Centres. EH estimate that the current talent pool will yield approximately 500 players per gender, requiring the intensity and commitment of a Talent Academy. This equates to the top 60% of players who currently attend Performance Centres, plus those who are part of England Age Group squads.

There will be multiple opportunities most weeks for high-quality coaching and training through a combination of dedicated sessions and integration with other activities delivered by the host. Every Talent Academy will have a squad of players selected through a robust process based on the England Hockey Player Profile.

Talent Academies will select from players nominated by Clubs, Schools and Counties, broadening the access routes into the highest levels of hockey development.

Please click here to access all the information regarding Talent Academies on the England Hockey Website

The Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme is a government funded scheme designed to directly measure the athletes' ability to plan, apply and evaluate their development in the appropriate aspects of hockey.

The DiSE programme is delivered in partnership between England Hockey and Loughborough College. Players will be expected to attend two national camps, three hub days and a remote induction all designed to provide a rich blend of on-pitch technical and tactical sessions, presentations, 1-2-1s and elements of portfolio work.

DiSE is part of the European Social Fund.