About Womens youth HOckey
Seahorses Hockey supports more than 150 boys and girls aged 5–15, and plays a vital role in developing young players for a life long love of the sport—many of whom progress into the senior Instonians men’s and women’s clubs from age 15 (some of whom are still playing at age 50+).
Our training sessions take place mainly on Sundays at the state-of-the-art synthetic astroturf pitch at Shaw’s Bridge, where players of all abilities can learn new skills in a fun, safe and encouraging environment.
We have strong historic links with Inchmarlo and RBAI, while proudly welcoming players from schools across Newtownabbey, Antrim, Lisburn, Hillsborough, Holywood and the wider Belfast area.
Player Development Pathway
Our youth programme is built around five clear stepping stones that support a player’s development journey:
U7s (P1–P3): Active Start
Building confidence and fundamental hockey skills through fun, energetic activities.
U9s (P4–P5): FUNdamentals
Expanding hockey basics and fostering a genuine love for the game.
U11s (P6–P7): Learn to Train
Developing core technical and tactical skills to create a solid foundation for future training.
U13s (Y8–Y9): Train to Train
Testing and enhancing skills through focused sessions and age‑appropriate competitive play.
U15s (Y10–Y11): Train to Compete
Introducing systems of play and specialist skills to prepare players for high‑quality competitive performance.
Player Development Pathway
Instonians has a proud history of producing players who go on to represent Ulster and Ireland at both junior age group level as well as progressing to senior level, we have recently had players gain selection to a UK Lions squad training and playing with some of the top young players across the UK—a testament to the high‑quality coaching and development within Seahorses Hockey.
More Than Just Playing
More Than Just Playing
Our young members take part in:
- Coaching support
- Umpiring
- First aid
- Wider club volunteering
- Ulster Hockey Young Leaders Programmes
This holistic approach helps develop confident, well-rounded young people and ensures Instonians remains a thriving club for generations to come. However, it’s not just the children at the forefront, as a family friendly club involve parents who help run our committee, take on coaching responsibilities, organise events and even volunteer at the Seahorse Shack on game days!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We welcome boys and girls age 5-15yrs old who are in class P1-P7 in primary school, or Year8-Year11 in secondary school. Our sessions are roughly grouped by age to ensure appropriate coaching and development in a safe and structured manner.
No prior experience is necessary. Our youth programme is designed to support beginners as well as those with playing experience.
The majority of youth training take place on Sundays at Shaw’s Bridge Sports Association, 123 Milltown Road, Belfast, BT8 4XP. For specific information on a particular age group please contact seahorseshockey@gmail.com
- U15 squads do have additional training sessions
- U15 Girls – Monday 6:00-7:45pm
- U15 Boys – Thursday 6:00-7:45pm
Players should bring a hockey stick, shin guards, mouth guard and appropriate sportswear. If your child is new to hockey, we may be able to lend equipment for the first few sessions.
Yes, there is a seasonal membership fee which covers coaching and pitch hire. Details are provided upon registration.
Absolutely. Parents are welcome to stay and observe from the sidelines. We also encourage parent involvement in club events and volunteering opportunities.
Yes. As players progress, they may be invited to take part in friendly fixtures, festivals and age-group competitions. We also support representative pathways for Ulster and Irish selection.
You can contact us via our website, youth email or social media channels to express interest. We’ll provide registration details and answer any further questions you may have.
Yes. Many of our youth players go on to join our senior squads. We offer a clear development pathway and support players as they transition into adult hockey.
Our SponSors
Join Us
Come Along
Select Which team You are looking tojoin, and contact one of our coaches who will be in touch with more informaon
You will find us at
Shawsbridge sports association
123 Milltown Rd,
Belfast
BT8 4XP
MemberSHIP REGISTRATION
Youth women hockey
PLAYER
MEMBERSHIP MONTHLY
I wish to become a member of Instonians and undertake to abide by the rules and regulations of the Club. I agree to the Club taking the relevant membership amount.
Youth women hockey
PLAYER
MEMBERSHIP YEARLY
I wish to become a member of Instonians and undertake to abide by the rules and regulations of the Club. I agree to the Club taking the relevant membership amount.
Youth women hockey
NON PLAYING
MEMBERSHIP MONTHLY
I wish to become a member of Instonians and undertake to abide by the rules and regulations of the Club. I agree to the Club taking the relevant membership amount.
Youth women hockey
NON PLAYING
MEMBERSHIP YEARLY
I wish to become a member of Instonians and undertake to abide by the rules and regulations of the Club. I agree to the Club taking the relevant membership amount.
GALLERY
