Over the last 18 months, Lions Inline Hockey Club has grown across every age group. A big part of that success has been offering our older junior players the chance to join both Hockey Hustlers and Senior Lions training sessions—which has led to massive improvement over the first few months of the 2025/2026 season.
Behind the scenes, we’ve been working hard to add capacity to our already packed timetable. We’re pleased to announce we’ve secured an extra half hour on our North West Roller Sports Rink allocation, which now enables us to offer a dedicated Under‑16s training session and completely refresh our weekly schedule. The result is a clear pathway from Rookie Cubs all the way to Seniors.
New weekly schedule (from January 2026)
Monday – Ardwick Sports Centre
- Under‑8s: 6:00–7:00pm
- Under‑12s: 7:00–8:00pm
Thursday – Senior Lions (unchanged)
- Senior Lions: 9:00–10:30pm
Sunday – North West Roller Sports Rink
- Under‑16s: 7:00–8:00pm
- Lions Black: 8:00–9:00pm
This complete pathway means more hockey than ever before—and a structured progression for every player.
A coach-led “play‑up” pathway that accelerates development
To recognise different rates of growth and readiness, we will be offering additional training opportunities for players who meet age and ability criteria, assessed by our coaching team:
- Ages 7+ may be invited to train with Under‑12s
- Ages 10+ may be invited to train with Under‑16s
- Ages 12+ may be invited to Lions Black and Senior Lions sessions
Playing up is always at coach discretion and based on player readiness, safety, and confidence. With this structure, Lions can now offer all junior players the chance to play up one or more age groups in the UKIHF Junior Leagues—helping to push Lion Cubs forward at the right pace.
Why playing up (with guidance) is a good thing
- Higher pace & intensity: Exposure to faster play builds reaction speed, decision‑making under pressure, and stamina.
- Skill acceleration: Training with advanced teammates raises the technical bar—stick handling, shooting mechanics, and first touch improve quickly.
- Hockey IQ growth: Older age groups use more complex systems; learning forecheck/backcheck, breakouts, and positioning boosts game understanding.
- Safe physical progression: Controlled, coach‑supervised drills develop body contact skills (angling, body positioning) before they’re needed in games.
- Confidence & resilience: Meeting tougher challenges, with support, grows grit and belief—key traits for stepping into the next age group.
- Readiness for transitions: Playing up smooths the move to higher age brackets and prepares players for Lions Black and Senior Lions.
What each session focuses on (age‑appropriate drills)
Under‑8s (foundations through fun)
- Balance, basic stride, stopping & turning; “games‑based” skill learning
- Introduction to safe stick lifts and spatial awareness
- Simple passing & receiving; early puck control
- Mini scrimmages to build confidence and enjoyment
Under‑12s (skills under pressure)
- Edge work, crossovers, speed control, transition skating
- Clean first touch, give‑and‑go passing, shooting technique
- Small‑area games for puck protection and quick decisions
- Intro to breakouts, line changes, and positioning principles
Under‑16s (systems & speed)
- High‑tempo transitions, zone entries & exits
- Forecheck/backcheck patterns, angling & body positioning
- Special teams basics (PP/PK) and situational awareness
- Decision‑making: reading numbers, support, and risk management
Lions Black (advanced junior performance)
- Pace tolerance, conditioning, and execution at speed
- Tactical systems: set plays, faceoff roles, and unit cohesion
- Pressure scrimmages that mimic game scenarios
- Individual skill refinement for competitive readiness
Senior Lions (adult‑speed team play)
- Systems execution, communication, and leadership
- Specialist skills (net‑front battles, breakout responsibilities)
- Game‑scenario drills with match‑tempo intensity
- Physical readiness and consistency across full sessions
Across the pathway, drills are age‑appropriate and progressive, ensuring every player learns the skills needed for the age group they play in, and the one they are growing into.
Building the sport in the North West—together
This pathway means we’re offering more hockey than ever and creating a clear route for players to become part of Lions Black or the Senior Lions when they reach age 15 (subject to coach assessment and league rules). We’re also excited to be working with T‑Wrex on female development in the sport, and we’re exploring the return of a Wild Lions training session later in 2026.
If you’re looking to get your children into inline hockey—or you’re keen to get back into it yourself—we’re always open to new players joining.
Get in touch:
📧 info@lionsihc.co.uk
💬 DM us for more information
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