LEARN TO PLAY ICE HOCKEY COURSE INFORMATION
Want to play the fastest team sport in the world?
Well you can.....
The Chelmsford Ice Hockey Academy now runs a learn to play session every Thursday from 5:30pm to 6:00pm.
The course is run by English Ice Hockey Association registered coaches and teaches the basic skills required to play ice hockey and potentially gain entry into the Academy system.
The course is in 4 week blocks with a 1 week break with no session between blocks. The first session is free and is used to determine if the child is able to meet the skating standard required for the course. Children must be able to skate confidently unaided to attend the course. Ideally they would have attained NISA UK level 4 skate grade.
The learn to play course is open to both boys and girls up to the age of 10 (dependant on spaces within appropriate teams)
For more information please see our FAQ section on this page.
LTP is designed to feed into the u10's age group only. Due to the Academy u10's squad being full we have limited LTP to the younger end of this group 2016, 2017, 2018 birth years. Children born 2015 or 2014 also fall within u10's (for the 2023/24 season) but we would only contact someone from the waiting list for these birth years should a child leave the academy within those years.
When are the sessions?
The Learn to Play Hockey courses take place on Thursday evenings, on the ice from 5:30pm to 6:00pm.
What is the ideal age to learn ice hockey?
Assuming they have learnt to skate, 6-8 years is ideal however depending on spaces our course is open to those aged 10 and below. If your child is younger than 6 we can arrange an assessment to determine if we think they will cope with the course.
How do I book?
Register your interest by emailing Learntoplay@chelmsfordiha.co.uk and include your child's name, birthdate and your contact details. You will be contacted to either confirm you have been added to the waiting list or contacted with a start date and further details.
What time do I need to arrive at the Rink?
For your first session arrive at 5:00pm so that your child can be fitted for their helmet, stick and hockey gloves. If you need to hire skates these are available at the skate hire desk. Once accepted on the course and for the remainder of your sessions arriving at 5:15pm allows enough time to get ready to go on the ice for the 5:30pm start time.
Do I need Hockey skates?
It’s really important that you have the right skates. Hire skates can be worn, but correctly sized hockey skates that are designed for ice hockey are recommended as you progress.
What about kit?
You do not need full kit to start with. We do have equipment we can loan out whilst they decide if this is the sport for them. Please only buy equipment when either asked to do so or if your child has been offered a place in the Academy.
Who teaches the lessons?
All of our coaches are fully qualified and registered with the English Ice Hockey Association.
They are all DBS checked and have appropriate first aid and safeguarding training.
When can I join the Chelmsford Ice Hockey Academy?
We do limit the number of courses your child can take to a maximum of 4. Within this time they will be assessed regularly by the coaches on their on ice skills as well as attitude/behaviour towards the sport, players and coaches. We are not expecting the finished article but they do need the fundamental skills needed to move onto the next stage. LTP feeds into the u10’s team and they have players aged 4-10 so there is a vast range of ability, size and experience.
If there is a space within their particular year group and they have met the standard we will then ask them to join the Academy. If they meet the standard earlier than the 4 courses then we can and do accept them into the Academy at this stage.
If they don't meet the required standard then they are unfortunately asked to withdraw from the LTP program until they can meet the requirements at which point they will be assessed by a coach before they're able to rejoin the LTP program for a further single 4 week course. Feedback will be given so that these things can be worked on at home and in public sessions.
When do the the U10's train?
Thursdays 6-7pm & Sundays 8-9am
What equipment must I buy should my child join the Academy?
Upon joining the Academy players must purchase their own helmet, stick, gloves, jock and neck guard. They can however continue to use the other lent safety equipment for a further period of time. A Home and Away Jersey and team socks will also need to purchased when they join.
When do the teams train?
Learn to Play feeds through to the U10's who train on a Thursday 6-7pm and Sunday mornings 8-9am. Children are expected to attend both training sessions in order to be eligible to be selected to play games.
My child has played ice hockey elsewhere, how can they join the Chelmsford Ice Hockey Academy?
If your child has previous ice hockey experience you can contact CIHA about joining on info@chelmsfordiha.co.uk
If your child is a beginner they must follow our ice hockey development programme by joining the Learn to play course.
What competitive teams can I join?
The Chelmsford Ice Hockey Academy has teams from under 10’s right through to under 18’s. All CIHA club teams have at least two training session during the week and play home and away games at weekends. We also have a girls U16 team that train once a week. Learn to play only feeds into the U10's
Can I come and watch the CIHA teams play?
Yes, we recommend that you come and watch the teams train and play to gain an understanding of the standard that you will need to reach to play competitively. All junior games are free to watch and take place Saturday/Sunday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes during the season (hockey season runs from September to April) Check the Fixtures live section on our website for dates and times.
For further enquiries please email learntoplay@chelmsfordiha.co.uk