Youth Teams Shine with Progress and Promise as 2025 Closes
As the curtain fell on the first half of the 2025/26 hockey season, Doncaster Hockey Club’s junior and development squads demonstrated remarkable progress, resilience, and potential. Across both boys’ and girls’ teams, the autumn months brought a blend of spirited performances, fresh sponsorships, and competitive fixtures, all underscoring the club’s commitment to nurturing future talent.

Momentum Off the Pitch: New Sponsorship and Community Support
This season began with a welcome boost off the pitch, as several local businesses pledged their support to Doncaster’s junior teams. Innorail, Jenkinson Insurance, Mulberry Accounting, and OneCall Insurance all joined as sponsors for the year. Their backing is a testament to the club’s growing reputation and its ongoing investment in quality coaching and player development pathways for young athletes.

Competitive Spirit: Fixtures and Season Highlights
Throughout the autumn, Doncaster’s juniors engaged in a full calendar of fixtures. These matches not only tested their skills against strong opposition but also provided valuable lessons and experience for players across all age groups.

Boys’ Junior Teams
• Under-12 Boys: The young boys’ team took part in divisional tournaments in late November, using these opportunities to sharpen their skills and build team cohesion ahead of the new year’s challenges.
• Under-14 Boys: Highlights included a commanding 8–0 cup win over Harrogate in October, balanced by the reality check of a tough defeat to Rotherham later that month. Such results reflect both the competitive nature of league hockey and the valuable growth experienced by the squad.
• Under-16 Boys: The U16s were regularly in action throughout autumn, facing strong opponents and gaining vital match experience in preparation for the winter fixtures.
• Under-18 Boys: A standout achievement saw the U18s qualify for the National Indoor Tournament Finals. They will represent the region at Derby Arena on 25 January 2026, competing against seven other regional champions for the coveted title.

Girls’ Junior Teams
• Under-16 Girls: The U16 Girls enjoyed a memorable 5–0 victory over Harrogate in late September, signalling their promise in the league. Their strong form has also seen them progress to the third round of the Cup.
• Under-14 Girls: For the first time, Doncaster entered an U14 girls’ team into Tier 1, the pinnacle of junior hockey competition. Despite being a young squad, the girls secured qualification for the Supra League before Christmas, guided by coaches Travis and Andy. The new year will see them compete among other regional winners, with the National Finals in their sights.
• Under-12 Girls: Mirroring their male counterparts, the U12 Girls gained vital match experience in late November tournaments, further embedding themselves within the club’s development pathway.

Younger age groups were also well represented, with the Under-10 Boys and Girls competing in several YYHL league tournaments. Their competitiveness and enthusiasm have further cemented their enjoyment and commitment to the sport.

Development Teams: Building Depth and Experience
The club’s Development Teams continued to make strides, with Development Team 2 notching a notable 3–1 away victory at Chesterfield and delivering other solid performances. These results reflect a strengthening competitive edge and highlight the broadening depth of talent across the club’s player base.

The Road Ahead: Continued Growth into 2026
As 2025 drew to a close, Doncaster’s junior and development teams remained focused on growth, with regular training and a busy schedule of fixtures set to continue into 2026. The solid foundation of new sponsorships, tournament exposure, and competitive league action has positioned the club for further progress in the coming winter and spring. With increasing experience and steadfast club support, Doncaster’s young players are well equipped to build on their achievements and face new challenges in the months ahead.

Thanks to our sponsors:
DC Tailormade Journeys, Avalon, Believe Money Group, Hawsons, The Regent Hotel, Home Farm & Lodge, Rectified Electrical, Print Broker Services, Mortgage Line Services, JHA Architecture, Yorkshire Caravans & Motorhomes, Xeinadin, CF Booth Ltd, Young Guns, Mulberry Accounting, Jenkinson Insurance, One Call Insurance, Innorail.