Players work closely with EVO coaches each week. They are grouped by age/ability and work in groups of approximately 10-12 players per coach or less, ensuring attention to detail.

When signing up, players join either the Talent Academy (U10-U13) or Performance Academy (U14-U17). The Talent Academy has a skill development focus, while the Performance Academy covers skill development, refinement and game understanding.

Each weekly session is themed and delivered by experienced and creative EVO coaches. Each session includes:

• warm-up

• at least one technical element

• at least one decision-making element

• at least one small-sided games (SSG) element

• maximal player touches of the ball (targetting 500 touches per player, per session)

• minimal or no player queueing or waiting to participate

For the Performance Academy (U14-U17), we recommend players should be at County standard and above. For the Talent Academy (U10-U13) all abilities are welcome.

Our Performance Academy program is designed so that performance players can flourish in a creative technical training atmosphere, with the opportunity for them to get the attention to detail they need.

The Talent Academy is open to all players. This program is recommended for players who are looking to accelerate their hockey development in a focused, committed and enjoyable programme. U10-U13 are the "skill hungry years" where skill development can yield maximum results, hence this is the focus of the Talent Academy.

Bear in mind that the Academy at all stages has been designed for those who want to take their hockey development to the next level, whatever their starting ability. So commitment, enthusiasm, and an open mind are the key essentials.

For outfield players, a gumshields and shinpads are an absolute requirement and no young player will be allowed to take part in the camps without these, unless parents sign a consent recognising the risks of doing so.

We would NEVER advise playing hockey without gumshields and shinpads, at any age!

Outfield players must bring a hockey stick to Academy training.

Beyond that, clothes suitable for outdoor sport and the weather at the time are advised and astroturf shoes should be worn (not football boots).

For goalkeepers, it is essential to bring a FULL goalkeeper kit to the training, as we only have a very limited amount of equipment available at EVO. If your child doesn't own a kit but plays for a club or school, we recommend you ask them for use of their equipment during our camps - our experience is that those organisations will often be willing to assist. However, please check any borrowed kit to ensure you have a complete set. Note, goalkeeper training is only offered on some Academies.

Of course! We understand that sometimes life throws up a curve ball and you can't always make every session.

For the Academy programme, each week is different and builds upon previously developed skills.

So players will get the maximum benefit from attending the full programme.

However, each session can stand alone, so don't worry if you have to miss the odd one here or there.

The Academy is delivered as a single program. Therefore, in the event of missed sessions, no credits can be given.

We group players according to both age and playing experience, to ensure each player is able to get maximum benefit from their work with our coaches. We keep all players under review so that we can ensure we get the best development outcomes for them.

Sometimes it is the right call to move a talented player up a level, to challenge them to deal with faster / stronger / bigger / more experienced players. Sometimes it is better to keep them within their age group, in order that they can 'stretch their wings' and continue to develop their talent. It is often a fine balance, but one our coaches are well placed to make!

Although we cannot offer refunds, we can sometimes offer you a credit for a future date. No-shows cannot be credited after the event. See our Cancellations & Returns policy for more information.

This is the UK and we are made of strong stuff! We play on all-weather pitches, so expect the Academy to run, rain or shine! Please ensure your children have sufficient clothing for the vagaries of the British weather!

Fear not, however. If the weather gets too bad, most of our venues have some indoor space that we can use for cover if needed.

No. Please provide drinks / refreshment for the session. Our Academies will always have access to water taps on-site, for players to re-fill water bottles.