VicStix

VicStix is a junior skills development program run by Hockey Victoria.

History

VicStix originally began as a skills development initiative in the early 2000s aimed at the under-16 and under-17 age group.Approximately two years into its existence the criteria were revised for players aged under-13 and under-14 at the start of the program.

tructure

Approximately 32 participants per zone are selected from trials (usually in October) to participate in skills and knowledge sessions approximately once per month. Hockey Victoria selects coaches that provide individual skills and fitness training, a fitness program to complete in the participant's own time, and talks from dieticians and nutritionists on the energy needs of athletes, and staying healthy.

Zones

There are seven zones that run VicStix programs, encompassing metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
* Northern - (regional), comprising Kerang, Maryborough, Sunraysia, Swan Hill, Wimmera, Central Victoria and North Central Hockey Associations, and clubs affiliated to these associations
* North Central - (regional), comprising Albury Wodonga and Goulburn Valley Hockey Associations, and clubs affiliated to these associations
* Eastern - (regional), comprising Latrobe Valley, Latrobe Junior, West Gippsland, Orbost and East Gippsland Hockey Associations, and clubs affiliated to these associations and Bairnsdale and Baw Baw hockey clubs
* South West - (regional), comprising Hockey Ballarat, Warrnambool & District, Grampians, Camperdown, Colac & District and Glenelg Hockey Associations, and clubs affiliated to these associations
* Metro West - comprising Altona, Brunswick, Essendon, Footscray, Geelong, Lowther Hall, Melton, St Bernards, Werribee, Ajax Maccabi, Powerhouse St Kilda, MHS and MCC hockey clubs
* Metro Northeast - comprising Camberwell, Doncaster, Greensborough, Yarra Valley, Box Hill and Kew hockey clubs
* Metro Southeast - comprising Casey, Dandenong, Eastern, Frankston, Mentone, Moorabbin, Mornington Peninsula, Frankston, Sandringham, SNP, St Bedes, Waverley, TEM, Hawthorn and MUHC hockey clubs

Carnival

At the conclusion of the program, usually in March, all zones are invited to attend a round-robin tournament in Melbourne to showcase their skills.

Future of the Program

Speculation on a popular Victorian [http://www.thehockeyshow.org/forum/index.php?topic=869.0 online hockey forum] suggested that the VicStix program would be discontinued after the 2008-09 intake of participants. This has not been officially confirmed or denied by Hockey Victoria, and it is not known if a replacement program is being developed.

External Links

* [http://hockeyvictoria.org.au/siteContent/detailPage.asp?MainMenuID=5&SubMenuID=32 Hockey Victoria VicStix page]