At Braintree Hockey Club, we are committed to supporting every player’s unique hockey journey. We proudly follow England Hockey’s RARE principles, which stand for Right Athlete, Right Environment. This approach recognises that talent development is not a one-size-fits-all process, but a flexible and inclusive system designed to help athletes thrive.

What is RARE?
RARE is a player-centred framework that focuses on matching each athlete with the environment that best suits their current stage of development—physically, mentally, and socially.

Core Principles
Player-Centred Development
Every athlete is placed at the heart of their journey, with support tailored to their individual needs.

Individual Growth
We understand that players develop at different rates and in different ways. RARE helps us adapt our coaching and support accordingly.

Thriving Environments
Our goal is to create spaces where players can flourish—not just participate.

How RARE Works at Braintree Hockey Club
Matching Environments
We guide players, parents, and coaches in choosing the most suitable setting—whether that’s club, school, county, or academy—based on the player’s current needs.

Multiple Opportunities
Players are given various chances to perform and be assessed across different contexts, avoiding reliance on a single trial or selection point.

Keeping the Net Wide
We maintain an open and inclusive system, ensuring more players are identified and supported over time.

Multiple Eyes
A range of qualified individuals—including coaches, teachers, and scouts—observe and assess players to provide a fair and balanced view of their potential.

Holistic Development
We use the Player, Person, Performance model to support not just hockey skills, but also physical health, mental well-being, and personal growth.

Why RARE Matters
RARE helps us move away from rigid pathways and toward a more flexible, inclusive system. It ensures that:

Players are not overlooked due to timing or circumstance.
Development is sustainable and balanced.
Every athlete has the opportunity to thrive in hockey.