Phoenix moving forward with Junior Development.
Wednesday, 3rd May 2006


With a new home ice rink under construction in Altrincham and Tony Hand recruited as Head Coach of the Elite League team, the Manchester Phoenix are working hard to unveil ambitious plans for a Junior Development programme.

The implementation of an all-age group programme has been high on the list of jobs-to-do for the club and planning is now at an advanced stage. To operate under the banner of the Manchester Phoenix, names for the various age group teams have still to be decided, but all teams will sport the Phoenix logo to cement the brand identity in the region.

The club is determined to hold on-ice trials during the summer along with team registrations and the ultimate aim is for novice hockey programmes to be added as soon as possible to the Junior Development curriculum.

A Phoenix spokesperson commented, "At one point, we weren’t sure we could accomplish a Junior programme this year but, we’ve received some excellent assistance and any number of positive, pro-active ideas and now we're determined to forge ahead to get as many youngsters as possible involved in on-ice activities."

Phoenix head coach, Tony Hand, will oversee development of the coaching programme and senior players from the Phoenix squad will also assist throughout the coming season. The club are also intent on recruiting other qualified coaching staff with experience of junior hockey at every level.

Further details of how to get involved in the junior club will be announced shortly – and the club will provide a new section especially aimed at youngsters on the club website at www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk

The club also intends to commence contacting all those who have previously registered their interest via the Phoenix website.

"This exciting new programme will be the method by which the Phoenix embark on their long-term aim of producing their own home grown talent," added the club spokesperson. "There is nothing we'd like more than in five or ten years time to have the majority of our senior team coming right from within our own ranks."

Team / Club Wasps