Hockey New Zealand Launches “CoachMate” to Support Grassroots Coaching

Hockey New Zealand has officially partnered with the mobile app CoachMate to digitise its coaching resources, providing a streamlined support system for the thousands of volunteers who underpin the sport across Aotearoa.

The launch marks a step in the organisation’s National Coaching Direction, a framework aimed at aligning coaching standards nationwide.

The partnership focuses on the Foundation player stage, addressing a critical gap in community sport where volunteers often step into coaching roles with limited preparation.

By integrating Hockey NZ’s coaching frameworks directly into a free, mobile-first platform, the organisation aims to lower the barrier for entry for new coaches while improving the quality of the participant experience.

Commenting on the launch, a spokesperson from Hockey New Zealand, said: “CoachMate plays a key role in bringing our National Coaching Direction to life by providing consistent, practical tools that support effective coaching.”

To incentivise early adoption, the organisation has announced that any coach who registers on the app before 20 April 2026 will enter a draw to win a $500 prize pack.

CoachMate Integration of the Coaching Framework

Key technical pillars include:

• Modern Skill Learning: Utilising game-based activities and constraints-led principles to support individual and team development.
• The “Kiwi Spirit” & “Hockey Ability”: Practice plans are designed to foster both technical proficiency and the cultural values central to the New Zealand hockey whānau.
• Spaces and Places Strategy: Activities are adaptable to various environments with minimal equipment, ensuring hockey can be delivered in schools and community spaces as well as traditional turf venues.

Digital Tools for Grassroots Efficiency

The app provides a suite of functional tools designed to reduce administrative burden and increase coach confidence:

• Bite-Sized Video Learning: Coaches can learn new activities in under 90 seconds via high-quality video demonstrations.
• Session Planning: Ready-made practice plans can be linked directly to team schedules.
• Integrated Communication: A secure platform for coaches to manage team chats, schedule events, and coordinate with caregivers.

Hockey NZ joins an elite group of National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) utilising CoachMate to scale their grassroots impact, including New Zealand Football, Basketball New Zealand, and New Zealand Rugby League.

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