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USA Field Hockey News

Champions Challenge/National Futures Tournament set for Combined Event in 2005

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Future national team members will share the spotlight with current USA team athletes when USA Field Hockey and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) present a combined Rabobank Women’s Champions Challenge/Futures National Tournament, July 8-17, 2005 in Virginia Beach.

The Champions Challenge features the world’s 7th-12th ranked team and was awarded to the USA during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in March. The host USA team will be joined by five additional teams to be determined following the Olympic Games and December’s Women’s Champions Trophy. The National Futures Tournament features the nation’s top young athletesfrom USA Field Hockey’s Olympic Development Pipeline.


“We are extremely excited about hosting the Women’s Champions Challenge conccurently with our National FuturesTournament,” said USA Field Hockey Executive Director Sheila Walker. “The combination of the two events will create a dynamic environment for international hockey in Virginia Beach while providing an international playing legacy for the junior elite players in our Futures Program.”


Combining the international and developmental tournaments also received endorsement from FIH Events Manager Dennis Meredith who praised the plan during his recent visit to Virginia Beach and the 2004 National Futures Tournament.


The combined event represents a slight departure from the traditional National Futures Tournament dates around the 4th of July weekend. The 2005 Futures games are tentatively set to begin July 11 with the U14 division. The U16teams are scheduled for July 11-15 with the U19 scheduled for July 14-17. The Champions Challenge is set to conclude July 16 Sunday, July 17. The Futures National Tournament is expected to return to its traditional 4th of July weekend dates in 2006.


Coaching and umpiring clinics are also expected to part of the event programme. Check the USA Field Hockey website at usfieldhockey.com for information as it becomes available.

 

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