The Leinster U16 Boys programme brings together players from clubs and schools across the province, providing them with the opportunity to train, compete and represent Leinster throughout the season.

District Phase

Entry into the programme begins through the U14/U15 Development Programme, where schools and clubs nominate players for both development and assessment. Clubs and schools are also able to renominate players from previous seasons, recognising the different development pathways and rates of progression for young players.

Following nomination, players are placed into District Development Panels, where they train together and take part in inter-district matches throughout the season. This phase of the programme culminates in the Leinster Regional Blitz/Tournament each April or May, involving approximately 12 girls teams (including Leinster and Leinster South districts) and six boys teams competing across a full day of hockey.

From these district panels, a number of players are then selected to represent Leinster and Leinster South at the National U15 Festival/Tournament, where six girls teams and three boys teams compete against teams from the other provinces.

Interprovincial Phase

The National Festival marks the conclusion of the initial development phase, with approximately 35 players then invited into the Leinster U16 Summer Panel from June through to August.

Players not selected for the Summer Panel will continue their development pathway through the District Cup competition, which takes place throughout June and July. The District Cup provides players with additional competitive match opportunities while continuing to represent their districts, before culminating in a finals day for both girls and boys competitions.

For players selected as part of the Leinster U16 Summer Panel, the programme culminates in the Interprovincial Tournament, currently held each August. Over three days of high-quality hockey, Leinster faces Leinster South, Ulster, Munster and Connacht in one of the standout events within the development calendar.

Representing Leinster or Leinster South at Interprovincial level is a huge achievement and one of the highlights of the player pathway.

Beginning in October, the squad trains regularly throughout the season and takes part in a range of matches and in-house games. As the programme progresses, players have the opportunity to work towards selection for a number of key milestones, including the Hague Tournament, the Summer Training Panels and ultimately the 20-player Interprovincial squad. A highlight of the programme is the annual trip to the Hague Tournament in the Netherlands. Competing against some of the top youth teams in Europe, the tournament provides a fantastic opportunity for players to challenge themselves on the pitch while also creating lasting friendships and memories with teammates and families off it.

The programme continues to grow and develop each year, with exciting training sessions, matches and team experiences helping players from across the province reach their potential and enjoy their hockey.

As always, we would like to thank AerCap for their continued support of the Leinster Hockey Development Programme. Since becoming our proud partner in 2019, AerCap's sponsorship has helped us continue to grow and enhance opportunities for young players across the province. 

Leinster U16 Boys Staff

Head Coach: Robyn le Quesne

Robyn is a highly experienced coach who is currently in his first season coaching the Leinster U16 Boys, having previously been involved within the Leinster setup for a number of years.

A teacher by profession, Robyn currently works at Alexandra College in Milltown, Dublin. He has coached across several clubs in Dublin and is currently involved with the YMCA Men’s 1st team competing in EY Hockey League Division 1, alongside coaching the YMCA U16 Boys programme.

Manager: Aimee Williams

Aimee has been involved in the Leinster Hockey Interprovincial and Development Programme for a number of years and is currently in her third season as Manager of the Leinster U16 Boys, while also assisting with the wider organisation of the Leinster Hockey Development Programme.

Professionally, Aimee worked for a number of years with the IDA in the technology sector and is currently completing an MSc in Sports Analytics, Technology and Innovation.

Aimee is also heavily involved with her childhood club Corinthians, particularly within the youth section where she coaches regularly.

Assistant Coach: Dan O'Daly

Goalkeeping Coach: Jakim Bernsden