Next year, the Border Schools Hockey Association will work to reinstate three premier teams — U18 Boys, U16 Girls, and U16 Boys — to the A-Section for national tournaments, which coaches say will require a solid structure and collaborative framework.
The relegation of these teams to the B-Section was a major setback for Border this season.
To bounce back, the association is directing efforts towards streamlining provincial team selection, restructuring district and provincial bodies, and establishing District Hubs to foster hockey development.
Each District Hub will include five schools — three primary and two high schools — that will form neighbourhood leagues and partner with local clubs to create junior and youth teams.
This system is intended to deepen the pool of hockey talent within the region.
To further improve accessibility and encourage district-based representation, trials for provincial teams will now be held at the regional level.
This change is expected to make trials more affordable for pupils from remote areas, broadening access and reducing financial strain on players and their families.
Additionally, the association plans to enhance year-round training for coaches, umpires, and managers to strengthen the overall skill and support network.
Hudson Park High School coach, Jerry Snyman, highlighted the importance of building from the grassroots up.
“To recover from relegation, we need to start at the grassroots level, with coaches and staff working within a unified structure and framework,” he said.
“Currently, this doesn’t happen consistently. The region also lacks competitive exposure, which affects the fundamentals among players.
“Additionally, infrastructure challenges mean schools without Astroturf have limited practice facilities, creating a noticeable performance gap compared to schools with astroturf.”
These challenges have intensified due to repeated vandalism and theft at key facilities.
The Buffalo Flats Astroturf has been severely damaged, and the Bunkers Hill Astroturf has faced break-ins and broken floodlights.
SA Hockey Association project manager Gary Dolley said: “The lack of suitable facilities due to vandalism and theft is detrimental to both club and school leagues. If this continues, it will compromise our ability to re-establish Border as a national talent incubator. [Provincial] governments and municipalities must allocate funds for security and maintenance.”
