Fall Field Hockey
Fall Programs
Our fall program offers a house skills clinic and a travel field hockey program. Players in grades 2-4 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 5-8 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 here 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 for the second year. 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. Deadline for ordering Uniforms is August 1st. You can purchase uniforms here Uniform Store. 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 mid-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. We made some changes to our uniforms this year. 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 in Ridgefield. Deadline for ordering Uniforms is August 1st. Unforms can be purchased here Uniform Store.
Equipment
Players should be equipped with a field hockey stick, mouthguard, and shin guards (same as soccer and lacrosse). 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.