How I Started Checking Out Hockey Camps
So my nephew wants to play field hockey seriously now, yeah? That got me thinking about finding the best camp for him here in England. Started simple – just asked around at local clubs and checked random forums online.
Visiting Different Places Face-to-Face
First I drove up to Manchester to see that big camp everyone talks about. Honestly, their turf pitches looked brand new but when I watched actual training, felt like too many kids crammed together. Coaches were shouting drills but nobody got individual attention.
Next week went down south to check that fancy boarding school camp. Fancy clubhouse with trophies everywhere but the gear smelled moldy! Saw goalies using cracked helmets during practice, which felt totally dodgy. Like why charge premium prices if kit isn’t safe?
Phone Calls and Proper Comparisons
After wasting fuel on two trips, got smarter. Called 5 more camps asking specific stuff:
- Exactly how many coaches per group?
- Do goalkeepers get separate trainers?
- Can parents watch full sessions?
- What happens if it rains all week?
Two places got defensive immediately. One just kept reading website crap at me. Proper annoying.
Finally Picking the Right One
Found this smaller camp in Birmingham after talking to their head coach for 40 minutes straight. Guy actually listened when I explained my nephew struggles with reverse hits. Showed me video clips of their training grids and proved they replace broken sticks same day.
Went there last month myself to drop off the kid. Saw proper hydration breaks every 20 mins and medical staff actually walking around watching players instead of sitting indoors. Big difference from the others!
What Actually Matters in Camps
Learnt it’s not about shiny buildings or famous names. Proper coaching means:
- Coaches correcting your grip RIGHT AWAY when you mess up
- Not waiting 30 mins for spare balls during drills
- Goalies doing specialized footwork every single session
- Turf without bald patches causing trips
My nephew’s already better at dodging tackles after 3 weeks. Turns out decent facilities plus engaged coaches beats flashy Instagram posts any day.
