The New Balance Centre of Development
The Centre of Development (COD) is the perfect opportunity for kids aged 10-14 (born between 2011-2015) to build their hockey skills in a fun, social, and supportive environment. Whether your child is new to the sport or already has experience, COD offers a welcoming program designed for all skill levels. Running over seven weeks, the program combines exciting activities, skill development, and game play, while creating an environment where kids can make new friends, be part of a team, and enjoy the game in a relaxed and positive way. With centres across every corner of NSW, there’s a place for everyone to get involved!
At the end of the seven weeks, the program finishes on a high with the annual Regional Challenge. Players from across NSW come together for a tournament-style event where they can put their new skills into action. It’s a fun, friendly competition that celebrates everything they’ve learned and achieved. Dates and location for the Regional Challenge for 2026 will be announced shortly.
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Find your region
In the New Balance Centre of Development (COD), your child will be part of a COD region, the below map shows the COD regions based on geographic locations across the state. To view a more detail map, click the graphic below.
Registration and Region Information
Click on your Regional Lead’s name to email them directly, or select your local town to view the training schedules for your nearest COD centre.
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Regional Lead: Fletcher Norris & Koby Johnstone Centre Location/s: |
Regional Lead: Fletcher Norris & Koby Johnstone Centre Location/s:
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Regional Lead: Fletcher Norris & Koby Johnstone Centre Location/s:
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Regional Lead: Fletcher Norris & Koby Johnstone Centre Location/s:
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Click on your Regional Lead’s name to email them directly, or select your local town to view the training schedules for your nearest COD centre.
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Regional Lead: Greg Doolan Centre Locations:
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Regional Lead: Greg Doolan Centre Locations: |
Regional Lead: Nikki Simpson Centre Locations: |
Regional Lead: Nikki Simpson Centre Locations:
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Click on your Regional Lead’s name to email them directly, or select your local town to view the training schedules for your nearest COD centre.
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Regional Lead: Sharni Barton Centre Locations: |
Regional Lead: Sharni Barton Centre Locations:
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Additional COD Program Information
Our highly successful Centre of Development (COD) program caters for children in the U12 and U14 age groups of all ability levels, giving every player the chance to learn, grow, and enjoy hockey in a supportive environment. The program is built around three key elements and will kick off across the state in early November 2025.
1. Training Sessions
Players receive up to 14 hours of weekly coaching over seven weeks (two-hour sessions each week) at their local venue. Sessions run between November 2025 and February 2026, with a short break during the school holidays.
2. Regional & Goalkeeper Sessions
In addition to local training, players take part in up to 12 hours of regional coaching across four larger sessions (three hours each). These sessions bring centres together to train as a group and experience a higher level of competition. Dedicated specialty goalkeeper sessions are also included in this year’s COD program, ensuring all positions are supported.
3. New Balance Regional Challenge
The highlight of the program is the New Balance Regional Challenge, a three-day round-robin carnival and one of the feature events on the Hockey NSW calendar. Included in the COD registration fee, this tournament is all about gameplay, teamwork, and putting newly developed skills into action. The event is fast-paced and fun, with no results or scores recorded. Instead, recognition is given for player development and living the Hockey NSW PRIDE values, making it a true celebration of learning and growth.
Hockey NSW are very supportive of umpire development and all COD participants will undertake an hour’s umpire development to assist with their game understanding to increase their ability to then umpire at the New Balance Regional Challenge event. This development is being introduced with the support of the Hockey NSW Umpire and Officials Development Manager, Zeke Newman. This can see athletes obtain their community umpire accreditation at the New Balance Regional Challenge event.
As a part of supporting continued coaching development in each region, Hockey NSW fosters an opportunity for developing coaches to be involved in COD. During the program, coaching support and guidance will be provided, as well as several resources and coach education online workshops.
It’s a great way to build your skills as a coach, as well as sharing your ideas and learning from others. The coaching network that is created as part of the COD Program allows our local coaches to upskill and take knowledge back to their local Club or Association.
You can commit to as little or as much of the program as you like. All you need is a valid WWCC and interest in upskilling yourself and in turn, upskilling the players within the program.
In 2025, HNSW will again be offering a chance to register and complete the Foundation Lead Coaching Course during the COD program. Regional Lead will mentor coaches during sessions and coaches completing the course will be showcased and ticked off at the New Balance Regional Challenge.
Please click here to access the Centre of Development Refund Policy
In the event of the entire COD Program being cancelled by Hockey NSW, a full refund will be provided to all registrants.
In the event of part of the COD Program being cancelled by Hockey NSW once the program has commenced, a pro-rata refund based on the number of sessions delivered will be provided.
Please note that any Active Kids rebate applied to COD registration fees cannot be refunded as per the NSW Government's terms and conditions for the Active Kids program.
No refund will be given if the 2025/2026 New Balance Regional Challenge does not go ahead or a player decides not to attend.
What do I receive?
• 14 hours of consistent, good quality coaching within your home region.
• Up to 4 x 3 hr regional training sessions. Seperate, specialty Goal Keeping training sessions are included in these sessions.
• Entry to the New Balance Regional Challenge, Hockey NSW’s largest single event and winner of Sport NSW Community Event of the Year.
• Education on umpiring basics, providing a more thorough perspective on the game of hockey.
Can I use my Active Kids Voucher?
YOUR $50 ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHERS CAN BE USED FOR COD. TO APPLY FOR AND CLAIM YOUR VOUCHERS: CLICK HERE
To use your Active Kids Vouchers for COD, you will need to complete this survey with your child's full name, DOB, Active Kids Voucher number & Voucher QR code. This needs to be done BEFORE you register your child for COD. Once you have completed the survey above you will receive a unique discount code via email that you will be able to apply to the registration and get $50 or $100 off the total depending on the number of vouchers you have provided.
PLEASE NOTE: Any Active Kids rebate applied to COD registration fees cannot be refunded directly to participants as per the NSW Government's Terms and Conditions for the Active Kids Program.
Do I need uniform for COD?
All athletes are encouraged to wear a COD uniform. COD Uniforms will be able to be purchased separately through the online shop.
The uniform includes a singlet or long sleeve t-shirt (or goalkeeper smock) and socks. Shorts are available but not required.
Click here for COD Uniform Shop
What if I can’t make every session?
Athletes can make up missed sessions by attending sessions within other regions at different times. Please contact cod@hockeynsw.com.au via email to advise of your missed sessions and discuss how these might be made up.
What if a session is cancelled due to Flood, Heat, Fire or COVID 19?
One of our regional Hockey NSW staff members (for our Regional Community Team click here) will be in contact via email or SMS message to advise of program cancellation. If a session is cancelled, we will try to make up this time in alternate weeks.
Who will be coaching?
Hockey NSW will employ casual staff to coach these programs. Each centre will have a Lead Coach that will work with the regional Hockey NSW staff to deliver a consistent curriculum. The number of paid coaches at each centre will depend on the number of registered participants at each location.
I would like to become involved as a volunteer coach?
Hockey NSW has a focus for the COD program to provide coach development for all level of coaches so they can also develop over the summer months during the program. If you are interested and would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact one of our Hockey NSW Regional Community Team.
Do I have to attend the New Balance Regional Challenge?
Whilst not compulsory, the New Balance Regional Challenge offers a great opportunity to test the skills developed during COD in a fast, game style environment while mingling with hockey players from across the State in a friendly, fun and non competitive atmosphere.
Can I be selected into a State Squad?
Not through this program.
Why does my region have to pay Association Turf hire?
Some Associations charge turf hire costs to Hockey NSW, which is included as part of the registration cost. Hockey NSW is grateful to Associations that have provided their facilities free of charge to athletes in COD.
For any additional information, please contact: cod@hockeynsw.com.au
