USA Field Hockey

Nov 07 Growing field hockey across the country

Nov 07, 2012, 4:43 PM ET

FUNdamental Field Hockey is growing the sport across the United States. Here is a glimpse into nine FUNdamental Field Hockey programs launched since the beginning of this year.

1. South Bay YMCA (Chula Vista, CA)

One of the very first Fundamental Field Hockey programs resides only minutes away from the Olympic Training Center and home to the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Field Hockey Teams. The South Bay YMCA has been using their Harrow equipment since May and even were treated to a personal clinic by U.S. National Team member, Rachel Dawson. 

2. Cape Ann Coalition (West Warren, MA)

Chris Pothier, Head Coach of Worcester State University and owner of Cape Ann Coalition Field Hockey Club, plays a variety of rolls for Fundamental Field Hockey. The pioneer for the program serves as not only a club, but also, a host and extreme advocator for boys and men’s field hockey in the Northeast. Like many programs, Chris uses his current collegiate student-athletes as well as U19 and U16 club members to help teach the youngsters the sport.

3. Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus (Columbus, OH)

This JCC hosts skill camps throughout the year with hopes of putting together a team to compete in league play. Athletes who are looking for additional playing opportunities are invited to join local field hockey clubs in the area.

4. City of Mesa Parks and Rec (Mesa, Arizona)

After visiting, Lacy Bienkowski quickly applied for Fundamental Field Hockey at her Parks and Recreation site. Since then, this program is one of the handful that actually has more male participants than female! 

5. Tsunami Field Hockey Club (Westbrook, CT)

Janet Dickey, owner of the Tsunami Field Hockey Club, is focused on developing youth in the New England region. She offers each program assistance with coaching and meets with each regularly to insure quality programs and provide ample support.

6. Club Lewy (Colorado Springs, CO)

Former U.S. Men’s National Team member and owner of Club Lewy, Paul Lewis, has done a fantastic job of growing field hockey in the Colorado Springs area. He will use his Harrow equipment to continue to develop the sport at six local area elementary schools.

7. Shane Victorino Nicetown Boys & Girls Club (Philadelphia, PA)

The Shane Victorino Boys and Girls Club serves a non-traditional area in northern Philadelphia. This site uses the equipment during their after school programs throughout the year.

8. Cleveland Field Hockey Club (Cleveland, OH)

Ahyodha “Fuzzy” Kishna, head coach of the Cleveland Field Hockey Club, has used grassroots marketing to bring three programs to the community, with a focus on introducing the game to lower socio-economic areas.

9. Virginia Beach School District (Virginia Beach, VA)

Rather than approaching individual principals and teachers, Virginia Beach Field Hockey’s Dena Soter-Reardon decided to tackle them all at once! She presented Fundamental Field Hockey before the start of school and now over 14 elementary schools from the Virginia Beach School District have applied to add the sport to their physical education classes.

FUNdamental Field Hockey is a USA Field Hockey youth development initiative to expose the sport and inspire participation within kids nationwide, ages 7-11, by providing free equipment and promoting fun physical activity. The program sends field hockey equipment, provided by Harrow Sports, and a full curriculum to hosts, likely elementary schools and youth organizations, and then pairs the host with a local USA Field Hockey member club to provide support and sustainability. For more information, email