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Getting Started in Field Hockey
By Julia Cantone // usolympicteam.com // April 15, 2004
Getting Started in Field Hockey
Top field hockey players often begin their careers at an early age by playing on school teams, at private camps and in local community leagues. Talented high school players can earn acceptance into U.S. Field Hockey’s Futures Program, where they continue to develop their skills. Once involved in Futures, players have the opportunity to advance to U.S. Field Hockey’s selection camps and team trials, where they compete for spots on the U.S. National and Junior National (age group) Teams.
For older players, the U.S. Field Hockey Association's club hockey program provides adults the opportunity to compete for regional and national championships as members of locally-based club teams.
The United States Field Hockey Association Web site has information on club teams including a list of clubs by area, a club calendar, and information on college clubs. The Web site also has a list of private field hockey camps and event listings. Check out Sport Development for more tournaments, tryout schedules, summer leagues and additional playing opportunities.
Joining the U.S. Field Hockey Association
You can download a membership application on the USFHA Web site. As a member of the USFHA, you are eligible to participate in sanctioned events and competitions and can receive liability insurance.
Major Events
Field hockey does not have a National Championship; the NCAA Championship (women) is considered the most prestigious national tournament. The world championship of field hockey, the World Cup, is held every four years. World Cup players are selected from the National Teams.
- NCAA Championships, November 15-21, 2004 (TBD)
- Men’s and Women’s World Cup, 2006 (TBD)
Becoming a U.S. Olympian
In order to become a field hockey Olympian, you must first be appointed to the National team. In order to do this, you must achieve good standing in the filed hockey community, and be selected by USA Field Hockey. Once on the National team, there are Olympic qualifying events held across the world, in which a nation must compete and place in the top two in order to qualify a nation for the Olympic games. Once (if) the USA has qualified for the Olympics, then the individual players will be selected by USA Field Hockey.
Contact Information
web: USA Field Hockey
email: usfha@usfieldhockey.com
phone: 719.866.4567
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