You can start a varsity field hockey team with just about any sports organization. All you need is a commitment from some coaches and a willingness from the rest of the players to participate. Once you have those two essential things, you just need a field to play on. Find a park with an outdoor pool and you have yourself a perfect place to start your field hockey experience. Whether you are a college student looking for an after-hours activity or an adult who wants to spend a day with your friends, there is plenty to do in the summertime when the temperatures are rising.
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Pick The Right Time
The best time to start a varsity field hockey team is in the summer. Most universities and colleges are on break in the summer so there are fewer people around to play with. However, the temperatures are rising and the weather is perfect for outdoor sports, making this the best time to play. If you play during the summer, you can also benefit from the heat which will make everyone more lively.
Consider Coaches And Parents
Even if you have a great group of players, you will not make a varsity team if you do not have the right coaches. Just because your school does not have a field hockey team does not mean that you cannot have one. There are always ways to have a team even if there is not enough room for all the players or if the coach does not believe in taking on extra members. For instance, you can have both boys’ and girls’ teams with one coach. Or, you can have a travel team where the players change uniforms after each game. There are many different ways to make a varsity field hockey team without having enough room for everyone to play on your campus. If you are fortunate enough to have some influential coaches who believe in giving new life to dormant teams, you can definitely make a difference.
Set A Goal
Setting a goal is essential for any type of endeavor. Without one, you will never know if you have been successful or not. For your own good, set a goal for yourself and break it down into small steps. The more you can do to reach your goal, the more you will feel accomplished. If you are looking for a way to improve your social skills, setting a goal for how many people you will talk to this summer is a great way to go. The important thing is that you set a goal and then you go out and achieve it. If you do not set a clear goal, you will have no idea if you have succeeded or not. Even if you have not reached your ultimate goal, you can still feel good about yourself for having tried.
Play In The Right Place
The place that you play is also important. You will not win many games if you do not have the field or the venue. Playing in a big open space with a lot of space around will give you the advantage. You can always bring some goals down to the park and set them up on the field. Additionally, playing on a sandy or grassy field will make a difference. The best time to play is when the field is in good condition and has good lighting. It should be flat and have no dips or elevations which can cause injuries.
Practice
Practice makes perfect, especially in sports. The more that you practice, the more efficient and relaxed you will become. Working on your game plan and doing drills will help you find your potential and work on improving your skills. It is preferable to practice outside, either in the fresh air or in a pool. The heat can be tough on the body, so the air is always best. Practice makes perfect, so do not be afraid to put in the necessary hours outside to get the most out of your team.
Play In Others’ Communities
If you play in others’ communities, it is imperative that you do not use their fields without permission. This is especially important if you play on a school or college campus since the students will have the right to refuse to let you play on their turf. If you play in front of a crowd, there is also the possibility that they will object as well. You can always ask the local high school or university for their permission to use their facilities. These are usually pretty happy to help out a former student or a current student who is looking for a way to remain active in the community.
Consider Sponsors
Even though you might not need an extra income stream, you should definitely consider sponsorship for your varsity team. There are so many different types of sponsorships available, from underwriting the cost of travel to having your jerseys fitted by a professional clothing company. The important thing is to identify the types of sponsorships that can help you reach your goals. Thinking about potential sponsors always comes with a fresh new perspective and the opportunity to create some exciting collaborations. Even if you only consider the potential for brand exposure, having sponsors is worth it for its own sake.
Most Importantly
The most important thing to consider when starting a varsity field hockey team is the time of year. Even if you have everything else, if the season is during the summer, it will be difficult for your team to find enough players. The best time to start a team is in the summer, when the weather is more pleasant and the players are more available. If you start in the winter, it will be difficult for you to play as there are fewer hours of daylight and people are usually inside, playing cards or watching TV. It is also a good idea to think about how you will practice as well. Will you hold practices during the week or on weekends? Will you travel to other cities or stay in one place? These are all questions that you should ask yourself before heading down the path towards founding a varsity field hockey team.