Fall Field Hockey

Fall Programs

Our fall program offers a house skills clinic and a travel field hockey program. Players in grades 1st - 4th can participate in the house clinic which is a weekly skills clinic. Fourth graders are also eligible for our House + Travel program. Players in grades 5th - 8th can participate in travel field hockey which includes 2 to 3 practices per week and 1 to 2 games on the weekends. No field hockey experience is required for any of our programs and no players are cut.

House Clinic: 1st - 4th Grade

The house clinic will introduce players to the game of field hockey and focus on developing basic ball and field skills. The clinic will start in September (after labor day) and finish by the first week of November. No uniforms are needed but players must have a reversible pinnie. Pinnies can be purchased before the season begins at Tiger Sports Uniform Store. In addition, please see information below about required equipment and how to size a field hockey stick.

Practices: Sundays (Starting after Labor Day)

Time: 1:00- 2:30pm

Location: Ridgefield Academy Turf  

4th Grade House + Travel

We are excited to offer our 4th graders a House + Travel option again. Players will attend the Sunday House practice + one evening practice + a few games over the course of the season. This is an excellent way to give the players more practice opportunities and the experience of playing other teams. This is not mandatory but recommended. Games will be scheduled in the fall and may be played on Saturdays or Sundays.

In addition to the equipment and pinnie the 4th grade House + Travel has the OPTION to purchase a uniform at Tiger Sports Uniform Store. Deadline for ordering Uniforms is August 1st. Please see information below about required equipment.

Practice 1: House Clinic Sundays (Starting after Labor Day)

Time: 1:00- 2:30pm

Location: Ridgefield Academy Turf

Practice 2: Fridays

Time: 4:30 - 5:15pm

Location: Ridgefield Academy 

Travel 5th - 8th Grade

The travel season starts in late August and finishes in late October/early November. Practices are generally two days a week for 5th and 6th grade and three days a week for 7th and 8th grade. Games will be played at Ridgefield Academy, Tiger Hollow 2 or in neighboring towns on Saturdays and Sundays. Traditionally, one game will be played each weekend. Additional games may be added at the discretion of the coach and demand/availability of the teams.  

Experience is not required to join the travel team and we welcome new players at all levels. Teams are generally organized by grade but may be modified based on enrollment numbers. Player evaluations will allow coaches to evaluate the skill and comfort level of players and organize teams to build confidence and foster growth. No players at any grade level will be cut from the program.  

5th - 6th Grade

Practice 1: Mondays

Time: 6 – 7:30 pm

Location: Tiger Hollow 2/TH2 (turf field next to the high school stadium turf)

Practice 2 – Wednesdays

Time: 4:30 – 5:30pm

Location: Ridgefield Academy/RA turf

7th - 8th Grade

Practice 1: Mondays

Time: 7 - 8:30pm

Location: Tiger Hollow 2/TH2 (turf field next to the high school stadium turf)

Practice 2: Wednesdays

Time: 7 – 8:30pm

Location: Scotts Ridge Middle School/SRMS turf

Practice 3: Fridays

Time: 5 – 6:30pm

Location: Ridgefield Academy/RA turf

Uniforms - Travel Teams

Travel uniform kits can be purchased at Tiger Sports in Ridgefield. Players are required to purchase a reversible jersey, skort and socks. Additional accessories and spirit wear are also available. Uniforms are available to try on for sizing at Tiger Sports Uniform Store. Deadline for ordering Uniforms is August 1st. 

Equipment 

Players should be equipped with a field hockey stick, mouthguard, and shin guards. Cleats or turf shoes are also highly recommended. Consider purchasing multiple mouthguards as they tend to get lost during the season. Molding mouth-guards is recommended. Players who have braces may want to consider special mouth guards which are designed for braces. Goggles are optional but highly recommended.  The national field hockey rules regarding equipment and goggles, can be found on the NFHS website. Field Hockey equipment can be purchased at Longstreth.com, DICK'S or other athletic stores.

Buying a Field Hockey Stick - STICKS SHOULD BE AT LEAST TO YOUR HIP BONE IF NOT HIGHER

Young players grow fast so don't be afraid to choose a starting stick that is a bit longer than needed! Guidelines for choosing a stick length and the kind of stick can be found in the pro-tip guide. You could also use the resources on Longstreth.com to select a stick.