Here at Wildcats we work hard to make the game of hockey fun and enjoyable for all children aged from 5 to 18 years.
At every Wildcats training session a qualified coach provides the appropriate level of guidance, technical instruction and physical exercise to help children to reach their sporting potential.
Wildcats have been in existence for 25 years and have a regular attendance of over 200 children every week.
Wallingford Wildcats were formed during the 1993-94 season and has gained strength in numbers and experience every year. Our training sessions are held on a Sunday mornings for younger children (from aged 5 to under 12's) and Weekday evenings for older children (Under 14's and Under 16's) throughout the season on the astroturf at Wallingford Sports Park.
Each coaching group is led by a qualified Hockey Association (HA) Coach, with the assistance of hockey players from the senior section of Wallingford Hockey Club. All qualified coaches have undertaken training and been assessed on their ability to teach children. We also hold regular refresher sessions in-house for all coaches and assistants. Many of the coaches have also gained umpire qualifications and first-aid certificates. In addition to coaches and club players we also welcome help from parents who take an interest and actively support the Wildcats Committee.
Wallingford Wildcats are very involved in the junior hockey community and have had many team successes over the years. The club runs it own Hockey Tournament for U8's, U10's and U12's each year which attracts many teams from across the area. We also have regular fixtures against local clubs for all age groups and run eleven-a-side teams for the Under 14 and Under 16 age groups. Older children (13+) also have the opportunity to play in the senior sides on a Saturday when their coach feels they are ready.
Each coaching session consists of a warm-up, coaching of both individual and team skills which is followed by a practice game and finishes with a warm-down.
Progressive exercises are used to build up basic skills which are then used in a match situation. The rules of the game are also introduced, which we encourage all children to learn from an early age. We endeavour to provide a safe, enjoyable, fair, structured, challenging, rewarding and positive experience for all individuals.
What age group will my child be in?
For training and most games and tournaments, age groups are based on your age on 1st Sept. So for most children, the following ought to apply:
Age group
School year(s)
Age group
School year(s)
U16
Years 10 & 11
U10
Years 4 & 5
U14
Years 8 & 9
U8
Years 2 & 3
U12
Years 6 & 7
U6
Year 1 & below
Providing availability and Checking-in
While we no longer require parents and Wildcats to follow England Hockey's Covid-19 guidelines, we do still require parents to perform the following actions via Teamo to ensure optimal ratios of players to coaches, and to remain Covid-safe:
Sunday Wildcats Pitch Timings at Wallingford Sports Park
Age group
Queue from
(outside Astro)
Enter Astro and start session
Finish session
& dismiss
Parents queue from (outside Astro)
U6
09:25
09:30
10:15
10:10
U8
09:25
09:30
10:30
10:25
U10
10:40
10:45
12:00
11:55
Sunday Wildcats Pitch Timings at Cranford House School
Age group
Queue from
(outside Astro)
Enter Astro and start session
Finish session
& dismiss
Parents queue from (outside Astro)
U12 Girls
09:25
09:30
11:00
10:40
U12 Boys
12:55
13:00
14:30
14:25
Coach and coaching assistants recruitment
Wildcats are always looking for coaches to fill the places of coaches who either leave or move up through the age groups. To qualify it is preferred that you attend a Level 1 Hockey coaching course (1 evening and 1 weekend).
Coaching assistants are crucial to the smooth running of any training session. It is not necessary to have any Hockey related experience, just a willingness to help organise children and help set up any training exercises is all that is required.
Shinpads are a must and can be purchased from most good sports shops. Please try to find a hockey shinpad rather than those used to play football.
Gumshields are highly recommended for U8s and mandatory for U10s and above and preferrably obtained from a dentist. Although this type is more expensive than a shop bought gumshield they do tend to be more comfortable and provide better protection. However any gumshield is better than none.
Footwear should ideally be astro shoes (with small moulded studs) but trainers are acceptable to start with. However once the player is attending regular sessions and playing matches, correct footwear is recommended to help protect and support the feet.
Some sticks are available to borrow but we encourage players to get their own stick to suit their own playing needs. We also have a vast array of goal-keeping equipment in all sizes for those who wish to try it.
On the occasions that it does get very cold it is important for your child to wrap up well with lots of layers, including a hat and gloves. A thin waterproof jacket is also useful in case it rains.
For team matches against other clubs we ask that your child has team colours. This a green and white quartered top with white shorts or navy skorts and green socks. Club kit can be ordered from the Kit Shop, which is managed by Oxford-based sportswear retailers, Blue Blood Sports.
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