If you’re looking for half-term activities, look no further. After all, thousands of juniors can’t be wrong!
That’s right. In 2021, over 5,000 aspiring juniors attended camps run by MT13, the specialist coaching business founded by former England International Matt Taylor. And the good news is that Taylor has once again put together a comprehensive, fun-packed programme for young players keen to play as much as possible during their February half-term break, with The Hockey Paper offering readers a 10% discount with the code THP10.
The popularity of the MT13 camps has exploded in recent years and this year they’ve added more locations to cope with the ever-increasing demand from players who have spent months indoors in lockdown.
The two-day camps take place at St. Albans, Repton School, Oakham School, and Trent College – all powerhouses of the sport – between February 14-18. Suitable for 8-16 year olds, the days comprise of different warm-up routines, skills rotations, gameplay, and tactical considerations.
Players are grouped by ability, not age, meaning that players already excelling within their age groups will have a chance to test themselves against older players.
BOOK NOW WITH CODE THP10 TO SECURE YOUR PLACE
If you’re short on kit, you just need to email them and they’ll arrange a stick for you to borrow completely free of charge. Their friendly team will even turn up early or leave late to allow parents some flexibility with timings!
Matt says: “All our coaches have played elite level, which means they can push even the most talented juniors, but can also adapt their style for less experienced players. This ensures the emphasis is on fun for all ages and levels. After all, that’s what the sport is all about!”
Uniquely, the MT13 camps have an average coach/player ratio of 1:10, an improvement on anything they’d be likely to experience in club or school hockey. The children are sure to benefit hugely from the advice of an expertly-assembled group of coaches.
Innovation is key to the MT13 coaching ethos. Over the years they’ve developed the 2v2 Mini Pitch, Tabletop, Skills Hurdles, and Inflatable Defenders to keep things fresh.
At times, Matt says, the pitch “resembles more of an assault course than a hockey pitch, but the kids love it, and it gets their skills razor sharp, so it ticks both boxes.”
With an emphasis on fun and making new friends, this really is a brilliant way for any hockey-mad youngster to spend their half-term. On top of that, every junior goes away with a goody bag packed with interesting bits.
BOOK NOW: A discount of 10% off the booking fee is available exclusively to readers of The Hockey Paper. Please be sure to add the code THP10 when booking!
