England Ice Hockey are pleased to confirm the setup of our junior leagues for the 2025/26 season, covering over 180 teams from ages Under 10s to Under 19s.
Our Under 12s competition moves from regional competition to divisions, matching their older age group counterparts. This change is aimed at increasing competitive games at this age group, aiding player development.
The biggest change is in our top age competition.
Our clubs highlighted that the high number of uncompetitive games was driving top-age juniors into NIHL 1 & 2, or moving abroad.
After consultation, we are launching our first-ever national U19 division, providing a more challenging top-tier competition.
The league season will be followed by top-eight playoffs, with home and away quarter-finals and semi-finals.
This means an U19 structure of National, Division 1 and Division 2, which mirrors the junior division in Scotland and brings consistency across the leading junior competitions in the country.
Subject to the success of this season and with feedback from clubs, we will consider extending the three tier format to other age groups for the 2026/27 season.
Michelle Leigh, EIH general manager for junior hockey, said: “Our shared goal is simple: to keep more young players in the game by challenging them in the right way.
“With the clubs’ support, this restructure brings us closer to a unified junior system that mirrors best practices across the UK, setting the stage for even broader improvements ahead.”
Age group breakdown
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