East U14 Leagues are 15 years old

On 28 January 2007, Scottish Hockey launched the East U14 Mixed Leagues at Meggetland in Edinburgh with 10 teams from across the District.  Now, 15 years later, 48 teams from 15 clubs are playing on Sunday mornings.

 

The Early Days

The leagues were initially a pilot to assess the demand for youth competition from clubs. Those who signed up were: Eskvale, Fifers, Dunbar, Ross High, Linlithgowshire, Edinburgh HC, Watsonians, Grange, Inverleith and Livingston. Most of those clubs are still playing to this day.

Following a hugely successful first term, East District picked up the running of the leagues, and volunteers have overseen the phenomenal growth every season since then. In 2017, a new Under-12 competition was started to cater for the huge increase in younger players wanting to play.  This has continued to grow, and 35 U12 teams play every fortnight using the 6-a-side, quarter pitch ‘Super Sixes’ format.

 

15 Years On

The first fixture in 2007 saw Eskvale take on Watsonians.  And it was fitting that, on the 15th Anniversary, all three Eskvale teams played Watsonians Development teams in matches at Mary Erskine’s on 30 January (pictured).

Davie Robertson, Eskvale Youth Convenor, is a big fan of the leagues; “Eskvale Hockey Club are delighted the league has reached such a milestone and we are proud to have played in the first ever match with Watsonians.  It’s great that the League has grown so much and continues to grow.  It’s given so many young players the chance to play matches, make friends and have fun whilst growing as players and as individuals.  I don’t know who gets the most out of the games – the players, their families or the coaches – but it is a joy to watch and be part of. The people responsible for setting this up originally deserve a huge thank you for creating this, along with everyone who has been involved in running it since then.  We hope this continues for years to come.”

Format

This season the U14s are split into eight groups of six teams, based on their current level of ability/experience, who play two 20-minute matches each morning. Each team plays on alternate Sundays at Meggetland or Mary Erskine’s, giving them 10 matches each term.

The rules have continued to evolve over the years based on fairness, player safety and development. They were used as a basis for Scottish Hockey’s ‘Eights’ format which is now used for U14 matches across the country.  Teams are mixed, with at least two girls in each team.

Thousands of young players have enjoyed playing with their team-mates in this competition over the years.  Many internationalists have attributed the leagues as a key part of their development and love of the game.  Duncan Riddell was one of those who played in the first match in 2007!

 

More than just a game

George Thornton, who organised the leagues before taking up his role as Youth Competitions Manager with Scottish Hockey, recognises the wider benefits for our sport.  “The majority of umpires and many coaches involved in the leagues are Under-18s.  It’s a great place to learn how to umpire/coach in a friendly environment, and many parents get involved in running teams.

“The clubs work together to support each other and help the young players. The matches draw big crowds of parents, even on freezing cold mornings, and they often comment of the positive, encouraging environment. There are no trophies or medals, emphasising the focus is on player development.”

We wish everyone involved in the leagues all the best for the next 15 years!

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