STICK STARZ & TURF TYKES
Presented by Harrow
Updated on
May 27, 2010
All great players get their start somewhere. With USA Field Hockey's Stick Starz and Turf Tykes program, getting started has never been easier.
Current StickStarz Locations >>
DOWNLOAD our brochure for more information! >>
TurfTykes is designed for our youngest 5-7 year old players. StickStarz is for young players 8–11. Both programs are part of USA Field Hockey‛s athlete development pipeline and serve as feeders directly into the already nationally recognized and successful Futures Program. StickStarz and TurfTykes consist of eight, 1 ½ hour sessions with 45 minutes dedicated to skill development and 45 minutes dedicated to fun games. Both are designed to enhance and reinforce skill development. The program has the flexibility to operate during any season of the year and the sessions may take place on multiple surfaces such as turf fields, outdoor grass, tennis courts, open space macadam play grounds, or gym floors.
Where can I find a site near me?
Sites are added to our website throughout the year as opportunities become available. Opportunities to participate may be through a USA Field Hockey site, a club site, or a community based organization in your area. The program is available nationwide
Current Stick Starz / Turf Tykes sites >>
What program should I sign up for?
Participants must be between the ages of 5 – 7 for TurfTykes and 8 – 11 for Stick- Starz. Age is determined by how old the child is on January 1.
Will I need equipment?
Thanks to Harrow Sports all athletes will either be given equipment or have access to Harrow‛s discount equipment purchase program. If your site is hosted by USA Field Hockey or a local club, participants receive a hockey stick, hockey ball, tee shirt and a membership to USA Field Hockey. Participants are asked to bring their own shin and mouth guards. If your site is hosted by a community based organization, equipment is supplied by the organizing group.
What will we learn?
The main goal of the program is to have FUN while learning the sport of field hockey. A standardized curriculum offers an 8 session introduction to skills and fundamental development through FUN activities designed specifically for children. Our goal is to put a stick and ball in the hands of girls and boys in an environment which promotes FUN participation while learning basic field hockey skills.
What is
the cost?
The cost will never
exceed $175.00 and
includes a hockey
stick, ball, tee shirt
and USA Field Hockey
membership. Community based organizations
such as Parks and Recreation departments
and YMCA‛s may offer the program for less
but the equipment package and USA Field
Hockey membership is not included.
What happens when I am too old to be in StickStarz?
Futures is USA Field Hockey‛s nationally recognized Olympic Development program. At the end of the eight StickStarz sessions, coaches will have the opportunity to recommend age appropriate athletes into the Futures Program. Athletes must be 12 years or older to enter Futures. Coaches will make selections for age eligible athletes who excelled in StickStarz and are ready to continue their development in the Futures Program. We also encourage players to find a club in their local area. There are well over 250 clubs in the USA seeking interested players.
Current Sites
Click on your state for available StickStarz/TurfTykes camps!
Interested in running a Stick Starz or Turf Tykes site?
USA Field Hockey is seeking Hockey Enthusiast to host a site in their community. Our goal is to offer StickStarz and TurfTykes sites in locations all around the USA. Sites can be hosted by individuals, clubs, school, Camps, and sport venues as well as multi-sport nonprofit organizations like Recreation Departments or YMCA.
If interested in running a site CLICK HERE and let us know. USA Field Hockey will contact you to discuss this opportunity.
Are there grants available for the StickStarz / TurfTykes program?
YES. USA Field Hockey Equipment Grant program has allocated five (5) grants is to assist new StickStarz / TurfTykes programs in areas where financial support is needed to introduce field hockey to young children. (Other USA Field Hockey Grants are available but they are referred to as Equipment Grants. ) The StickStarz / TurfTykes Grant includes sticks, balls, and cones. Each participant will receive certificates of participation, a sticker and a poster at the conclusion of the program along with the supporting curriculums. The Grant program does not include goalkeeping equipment. Equipment (sticks, ball, and cones) MUST remain the property of the program and NOT that of the individual participants.
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION >>
Financial Informattion for Program Directors >>
Harrow Sports
Harrow Sports is the Presenting Sponsor of the Stick Starz and Turf Tykes Program for the 4th consecutive year. Harrow offers a full equipment and apparel line for field hockey players of all ages and abilities. Check out their newest products at www.harrowfieldhockey.com, registered participants of Stick Starz and Turf Tykes will receive additional discounts throughout the year!