NEWS: Clan Academy Prepares for First Term
he first batch of Clan Academy kids should be on Braehead ice in just a few weeks, as the application process for places is now open!
Initially the Academy will focus on developing the fundamentals and giving kids the confidence to express themselves on the ice, through a Learn to Play programme (LTP), and we’ll ensure that there will be some spaces for those requiring a few weeks basic skating tuition before moving to the LTP stage.
Although starting with a LTP programme, the Academy will consider entering competitive teams at various age groups in the Scottish junior leagues when the time is right – but this will be at least one year away.
We have previously said we would prioritise accommodating our younger players, who have most time to develop, so initially we are inviting applications from young players with dates of birth in years 2012 to 2020 inclusive (approximately aged 4 to 12 years old). We will review numbers after those applications have been assessed and may then invite applications from other birth years if capacity permits.
A set of Frequently Asked Questions is available below, which will help you find out more about the Academy’s plans.
How to Apply
If you wish to apply for a place in the Clan Academy for your young athlete, please follow this link and complete the attached online form as soon as possible. After review of numbers/profiles of applicants, we will advise you if you’ve been successful in securing a place.
If your space is confirmed, official Scottish Ice Hockey registration forms/consent forms etc, will require to be completed, and we will contact you to complete these at a later date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Costs
Assuming we reach the participant numbers we hope for, the cost per calendar month during the season will be £75 (except for the first month, where the fee will be £100). The additional funds in the first month will go towards the costs of registering/insuring the participant with Scottish Ice Hockey.
The £75 monthly cost equates to a session price of £8.65 – which we feel offers good value for money. Monthly fees will be paid by standing order/bank transfer (not by cash on practice nights).
Parents should also budget for the costs of any skates and hockey kit if not already owned.
Do kids need to be good skaters to enrol with the Academy?
Not necessarily – we will be able to take in a number of kids who are not yet ready for Learn to Play and our coaches will work on developing the essential minimum skating skills so that those kids can start to learn hockey. However, it will help tremendously if the participant has at least basic skating before joining, and if they try to go skating as much as possible, at public sessions, to improve their skills.
Will boys and girls be split into different nights or in different groups?
No. They will learn together in mixed groups.
Do youngsters need full hockey equipment to join the Academy?
Those kids we are able to take who need some skating tuition before they start Learn to Play, can be allowed on ice with minimal protective equipment (helmet only), however this would only be for a few weeks. Ideally kids should have full kit right from the start, as the extra confidence they gain from the protection will help them learn to skate more effectively.
Before they can touch a stick or puck, SIH rules mean they would need to be in full kit.
How much time on ice will participants get?
We will provide two hours ice per week for each participant – split into two sessions of one hour each. Provisionally (and subject to change after age split of applicants is known) the practice slots will be spread across Saturday mornings, Monday evenings and Tuesday evenings. Coaches would allocate participants to groups depending on age/experience.
Is there a joining option for just one hour per week?
No. We don’t believe young players will develop effectively with just one hour per week practice.
Why is it not once per week for 2 hours, rather than two sessions?
At the age groups we’re dealing with initially, it’s unlikely any youngsters would have the stamina to participate in a session of that duration. All clubs and individuals we’ve consulted agree that to develop their skills, kids need to be on the ice more than once per week, and around 1 hour is a good session duration for younger players.
When does the Academy start?
We have a significant task in ensuring we build a great junior organisation from scratch, and we want to get it as good as we can for the kids at launch date. This means we need a few more weeks to get our coaching and support teams ready, and we aim to be on the ice before the end of October 2024 – but we will keep this under review.
Are slots allocated on a ‘first-come/first-served’ basis?
No – not necessarily. Our coaches will assess applications and try to ensure the correct mixes of experienced/beginner/non-skater to groups so that they can deliver the most effective LTP programme. Depending on interest levels, we may not be able to accept all applicants in this initial intake – but will take as many as we can without jeopardising the quality of the Academy.
Will the Glasgow Clan players be involved with coaching the kids?
We expect some Clan players may appear as guest coaches from time to time, and we intend to have occasional Academy events that allow the kids access to the players. These should not be viewed as part of the programme – they’ll be a surprise or a bonus for the kids when they happen! Training will normally be carried out by our team of qualified coaches, along with on-ice assistants.
Will there be any other benefits from being a participant in the Academy?
Yes. All active Academy kids will receive £2 off public skating sessions, and 10% discount on all Clan merchandise. Academy players will gain priority access to the Clan end of season equipment sale. Other benefits will be added in due course.
