JUNIORS TO SENIORS FAQ

Our juniors are an important part both of our senior section and of the long term future of our Club (just look at the high number of first and second team players at the Club who started out as juniors at TWHC).

From U13s to the Big Leagues (Sort Of)

Everything you need to know (and a few things you didn’t realise you should ask) about stepping into senior hockey at TWHC.

So… when do juniors start playing seniors?

Usually from age 13 and up, but it’s not a rush to the adult leagues — it’s more like blending in gently before they know what’s hit them (spoiler: it’s the ball, hopefully on their stick).

We start introducing juniors into senior teams and training from U13 onwards, when they’re physically, technically, and emotionally ready — not just when they hit a birthday. It’s about confidence, not just age. And we recognise that young players develop at different speeds and different ages.

How do you decide who’s ready?

We look at:
- Attitude: Do they turn up? Do they try? Do they high-five someone who just fell over?
- Ability: Are they ready for the pace and physicality of adult hockey (yes, even the walking wounded in Vets)?
- Coach’s gut instinct: Our coaches know when a junior is ready to make the leap — and we trust them.

TWHC’s own Academy is one pathway to help with this transition - though it is not essential for a junior player to be part of the Academy in order to make the move up to senior hockey (TWHC’s Academy is invitation only for players in Y7 to Y11).

Parents and players can chat with coaches anytime. It’s a team decision. Nobody’s thrown in the deep end with a bunch of grumpy defenders who haven't stretched since 2014.

What’s the benefit of playing senior hockey?

Apart from:
- Improving fast (you learn a lot playing with adults)
- Getting stronger, braver, wiser
- Hearing phrases like “you mark him, I’ve got no knees”
- Becoming better leaders back in the junior sides
- Building lifelong friendships across the club
- Growing in confidence both on and off the pitch

Can they still play junior hockey too?

Yes. 100%.
We encourage them to do both — juniors on Sunday, seniors on Saturday. It’s not a replacement, it’s an expansion pack.

If they need rest, we’ll manage it. Schoolwork, life, bodies — all part of the balance. We’ve got their backs.

What about kit?

If they’re playing for a senior league team, they’ll need a senior match shirt (we’ll let you know when). Socks and skorts/shorts are the same. You won’t need to buy a yacht.

Is it safe?

Yes. We manage the transition carefully. They’ll only play in appropriate divisions, never chucked into something brutal or beyond them.

Umpires, coaches, captains — they all know who’s young and keep a watchful eye. We won’t let a junior get steamrolled by someone nicknamed “Tank.”

What else do they get?

- New mentors (senior players who've been there, done that, and still wear their junior hoodie to bed)
- More training options midweek
- Post-match snacks… and, eventually, team socials (age-appropriate, obviously)
- And a sense they really belong to the whole club — not just the “junior bit”

When does this start?

Each season we start identifying players who are ready for:
- Senior Training (weeknights)
- Saturday league matches (home and away)
- Development squads with other teens and supportive seniors

We usually test the waters at summer league, mixed games, or senior training invites first.

Got more questions?

Drop us a line:
Email: juniorinfo@twhc.co.uk
Or ask your coach on Sunday.

Final Word

We’re not building Olympic squads.
We’re building good people who love hockey, stay in the game for life, and feel part of something big.

From juniors to seniors — the journey is half the fun.

Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club