MK Thunder

MK Thunder × MK Storm Juniors
A partnership for the future of Milton Keynes hockey

Project
Thunderstorm

Building a clear, structured pathway for talented young players from Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas into senior hockey — and keeping them here.

The Partnership

Two clubs. One vision. One community.

MK Thunder and MK Storm Juniors have launched a new collaborative project, prioritising the development of talented young players from Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.

This partnership enables both clubs to pool resources and lay the foundations for a sustainable stream of MK-trained players into senior hockey. The goal is clear — facilitate sustained success for Milton Keynes players at the top level of our sport, and crucially, keep them in MK for their development.

Project Thunderstorm guarantees prospect slots each year in Thunder's roster for players who have come through the MK Storm programme, allocated through combined decisions made by both clubs' coaching staff and management.

Long-term development

Increase the number of MK-trained players competing at National, International and Professional levels of hockey.

Keep talent in Milton Keynes

Players remain attached to MK with full access to ice and development provision — no need to move away to progress.

A cycle of inspiration

Talented athletes inspire the next generation — creating a continued cycle of recruitment, development and achievement.

The Pathway

From Storm to Thunder

A clear, structured journey for every prospect selected into the programme.

01

Selection

Players are identified and selected through collaborative decisions by MK Storm's Head Coach, Age Group Coaches, and Thunder's Coaching Staff and Management.

02

Integration

Prospects are invited to train with Thunder as regular roster members — without compromising their junior training or games, which remain the priority.

03

Development

Coaches work together across both clubs to monitor performance, set individual goals and share resources to maximise each player's development.

04

Opportunity

Thunder commit to icing one line of prospects at every home game. Players requiring additional opportunities elsewhere are supported — always with MK as the priority.

Additional Project Impacts

Beyond the ice

Free Senior Hockey for All Storm Members

Every MK Storm member and registered coach receives a free MK Thunder season ticket — a physical card giving everyone access to watch senior hockey in person, regardless of their financial position. Hockey is for everyone.

Coach Education Programme

Thunder players are encouraged and supported to complete coaching qualifications during their time with the club, with placement opportunities throughout the MK Storm programme — creating post-playing career options and deepening the relationship between senior and junior players.

Athlete at the Centre Model

Every decision is made with the athlete's development as the priority. Individual monitoring, personalised goal-setting and shared resources between both clubs ensure every prospect gets the support they need to reach their potential.

Our Commitment

What we promise every prospect

Junior hockey always comes first. Training with Thunder will never be at the expense of Storm games or training sessions.

Individual development plans. Coaches from both clubs will define goals, targets and development plans on a player-by-player basis.

Guaranteed game time. Thunder will commit to icing one line of prospects at every home game.

Additional ice and resources. Off-ice support, additional ice time and development opportunities — all with MK as the central club.

Full support network. Players, families and coaches across both clubs working together — not in isolation.

"Partnerships between senior and junior clubs are fundamental for the sustained development of talented, motivated and inspired athletes."

Project Thunderstorm Mission Statement

Support Project Thunderstorm

Help us build the future of Milton Keynes hockey

Help us implement and develop the project through sponsorships or charitable donations. All funding directly benefits our athletes through resources, equipment and ice time provision — giving every young player in MK the best possible chance to fulfil their potential.

Get in touch to find out how you can support

mkthundericehockey@gmail.com 07585 802416

Contact Lauren Cox, General Manager and Chairperson, to discuss sponsorship opportunities or charitable donations to the project.

Support the Project