THE Ulster Pumas Player Development Programme is designed to nurture young hockey players from various clubs in Northern Ireland (aged 10 to 14). This initiative is undertaken to enable the most talented players to maximise their potential. It’s an opportunity for girls to develop as players in their chosen sport by means of quality and intensive training sessions, led by quality coaches.
Players are selected by lead coach Ivor Lennon whose own daughters have gone on to feature strongly for Portadown Ladies Firsts and the winning Schools Cup Portadown College side as well as Irish squads.
The expectation is for players to attend at least three training sessions per term with each session having a different focus on an aspect of hockey. The training is designed to develop a player’s game awareness, fundamental core skills, position specific skills, as well as improving their fitness. Specific fitness sessions throughout the year will improve an athlete’s speed, agility, power and strength.
Players will be encouraged to attend national competitions or academy trials where possible to ensure they excel in hockey.
The Pumas intend to send a team to Beeston each July to compete in the UK Lions U13 Championships.
They have already been in action this week in Dublin.
