little sticks hockey academy

Big dreams starts with little sticks

The Little Sticks Hockey Academy is an introductory hockey program designed specifically for preschool children. Our aim is to create a fun, active, and developmentally appropriate environment where young children can discover a love for movement, play, and the game of hockey. Each session blends structured skill development with playful exploration, ensuring children learn the foundational building blocks of hockey while building confidence, coordination, and teamwork.

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Whatapp Group

Our vision

To foster a lifelong love for hockey and physical activity by providing an engaging, nurturing, and age-appropriate space for preschool children to learn, play, and grow.

Our mission

To offer a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable hockey experience that:

  • Encourages movement, coordination, and balance.
  • Develops fundamental motor and hockey skills such as dribbling, passing, teamwork, and spatial awareness.
  • Builds confidence, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude toward sport and physical play.
  • Promotes social interaction and teamwork through guided, small-group sessions.

Coaching approach

Our coaching philosophy centres on positive reinforcement, inclusion, and play-based learning. Each coach is trained to:

  • Create a safe, supportive, and encouraging learning environment.
  • Adapt activities to different developmental levels.
  • Inspire creativity, confidence, and teamwork through structured, enjoyable play.

Benefits for Participants

  • Development of gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
  • Learning the fundamentals of hockey in a non-competitive, supportive space.
  • Improved listening skills, focus, and social interaction.
  • Early exposure to teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy movement habits.
  • Most importantly — fun and enjoyment in every session!

Session Structure

  • One 30-minute session per week, aligned with the school calendar.
  • Sessions take place at the school and are facilitated by experienced hockey coaches.
  • Maximum 8 players per coach to ensure individual attention and an enjoyable learning experience.
  • Missed sessions are forfeited — no refunds are available.
  • No sessions during school holidays or public holidays.
  • Each player receives an annual progress report.
  • Should Little Sticks Hockey Academy be unable to conduct a session, it will be rescheduled.
  • A one-month written notice period applies for cancellations.

Payment Information

  • A yearly administration fee of R99 is payable with the first payment.
  • All fees are payable in advance.
  • Accounts are invoiced upfront with clear due dates.

Payment Options

Termly

R785 per term

  • 1st Term: 31 January
  • 2nd Term: 1 April
  • 3rd Term: 1 July
  • 4th Term: 30 September

Only EFT payments are accepted. No cash payments will be accepted.

Yearly

R2,900

(due on or before 31 January)

Only EFT payments are accepted. No cash payments will be accepted.

Meet the director

Michael van Rensburg

Michael van Rensburg is a highly respected and experienced field hockey coach with over 20 years of coaching and leadership experience across South Africa. His career spans all levels of the game – from youth development to elite school, university, club, provincial, and franchise hockey — earning him recognition as a versatile and impactful gure in the sport. Having coached in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Province, Boland, and Western Province, Michael has built a reputation for developing technically skilled, tactically intelligent, and mentally resilient athletes. He is known for creating high-performance environments where players and teams thrive both on and off the field. At school level, he has led premier hockey programs as Director of Hockey at Pearson High School (2012 – 2017), Head of Hockey at Paul Roos Gymnasium (2018 – 2019), and currently Director of Boys’ Hockey at Parel Vallei High School (2020 – present). His earlier experience at Bishops and Michaelhouse helped shape his holistic and principle-driven coaching approach. At university and club level, Michael has guided top programs at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and Stellenbosch University (Maties) and is currently the Head Coach of Somerset West Hockey Club’s 1st XI Men’s team. Michael has earned national medals at every age group, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze across U16, U18, U21, USSA A-section and Senior A-section tournaments. In franchise and high performance environments, Michael has led successful teams in competitions, such as the PRINCESS Pre Series and the Cape Town Premier League (CPL). He has also served in key administrative roles, including Director of High Performance for Eastern Province High Schools Hockey and Chairman of Boland Schools Hockey (2020–2022). Guided by a philosophy built on Technical Excellence, Tactical Intelligence, Physical Preparation, and Mental Resilience, Michael’s coaching approach combines structure with creativity, demanding excellence while fostering confidence and character. Driven by a lifelong passion for hockey and education, Michael continues to inspire players and coaches alike — shaping programs and people that reflect intelligence, intent, and unity both on and off the field.