When we introduced the National Training Weekend, two and a half years ago, we had plans for its development as it grew.
Due to its success, we have now got to a point where we need to go to the next stage of this development.
This is the introduction, for next season, of ‘Regional Training Sessions’ which have now been included on the 2009-2010 National Calendar.

Why?
Firstly, cost to players and parents.
The National Training Weekends have been based at Peterborough because of its availability, cost and the fact that two rinks can be made available.
However the cost and time spent in travelling by players and parents is considerable.
Secondly, the number of attendees has now risen to a level where the quality of training may not come up to the level that we would like to reach.
Thirdly, by the introduction of Regional Training Sessions, players who may not be able to get to Peterborough, for either cost or time considerations, may be able attend local sessions which will be of great benefit to them.

How will they work?
When planning how these are to work several issues are important.
Firstly, if we want to retain Carlos Amaral as a full time Roller Hockey Development person, then his income must be maintained.
The income derived from the National Training Weekends, contributes towards his overall income.
With the introduction of the Regional Training Sessions, it is highly likely that the numbers attending the National Training Weekend will fall, reducing the income to Carlos and this, therefore, will have to be addressed.
Secondly, in order to maintain a continuity of the phylosophy and training methods for Roller Hockey in England, the Regional Training Sessions must be carried out under the direction of the National Coaching Director.
This will be achieved by a Regional Coaching Team with a co-ordinator appointed by the National Coaching Director.
Thirdly, by alternating Regions each month, the National Coaching Director will be able to attend all sessions.
Fourthly, the final selection for National Teams will take place after the Inter-Regional Championships, where all the players who will be making up the various teams should be participating. For this reason we would request that the National Coaching Director has some input into the Regional Teams’ selection.

Targetted Age Groups
With the structure that we have been building over the past five years, the future has been our prime concern.
It is for this reason that we propose that the attendees for the Regional Training Sessions will comprise only players under the age of 15 years.

Logistics
There will be four Regional Training Areas : -
The North, the East, the South-West and the South-East.
They will generally be held on the first weekend of each month.
They will be run by the appointed Regional Coaching Team under the direction of the National Coaching Director.
The National Coaching Director will attend two Regions each month : -
Month 1 – East and South East Month 2 – North and South West

Costs
There are several ways that this can work.
1. The Regions collect a fee from the attendees, from which they pay the rink hire fees and any expenses incurred by the National Coaching Director when he attends the various sessions.
2. The Regions collect a fee from the attendees, from which they pay the rink hire fees and pay a set monthly amount to the National Coaching Director, £100.

Conclusions
The setting up of Regional Training Sessions is the natural progression in our planned continuation of the building of the structure for Roller Hockey in England.
The introduction of it, at this time, has been brought about by you, the Clubs, players and parents, supporting what we have put in place up to now.
It will help us in the future, with not only the development of players but also with the development of Local Coaches whose assistance will be required as part of the Regional Coaching Team.

Keith Allen