Spring Season

The spring season begins immediately after our winter session and runs for 10 practices (dates dependent on weather and schedules). Players will focus on improving basic hockey skills with drills designed to improve ball control, passing, goal scoring, defensive skills and goal keeping. We’ll work on team play and communication, position responsibilities, and rules of the game; all focused on becoming a better team player. Hockey, like soccer, is a fast-paced running sport, so we’ll spend time on fitness to be prepared for non-stop games.

Players are placed in Development and Advanced groups, with practices occurring at different times. Coaches will determine placement based on skill, but new and beginning players start at the Development group. All younger players will be placed in Development barring exceptions based on skill and maturity. Advanced group players tend to have experience in hockey or similar sports and display more advanced skill, maturity, and commitment to playing and practicing every week.

Details

All practices are co-ed.

Practices are held midday on Sundays at St. John’s Episcopal School field in Rancho Santa Margarita. Directions and times can be found at our registration page.

Development group practices are first, Advanced group follow immediately after. Practices are 1.5 hours, rain or shine. Extreme weather (heat or rain), or lightning will cancel practice.

Midweek optional practices are TBD, but typically happen in the evening at a local grass field. We’ll make an announcement when we have a field confirmed.

Equipment required:

Field hockey shin guards.
Mouth guard. We recommend Sisu brand for comfort, and ease of communication)
Outdoor field hockey stick. The club can provide a loaner hockey stick and ball if needed; but recommend purchasing a properly sized stick if your child decides to continue on with hockey.
Trail running shoes for Astroturf sessions, or other running/cross training shoes (turf fields will not let you use cleats). Trail running shoes provide a bit more toe protection than regular running/cross training shoes.

Equipment recommended:

Padded glove (typically worn on the left hand)
Cleats for grass training, if desired.

Local friendlies with regional clubs in southern California often happen during the spring and we encourage all players to participate when available.

During the season we’ll work on forming age-grouped teams to compete at local regional tournaments. Tournament schedule and team formation is determined by tournament host schedules and player availability; participation is not required to register for winter or spring season, but it is encouraged! Separate summer tournament registration will take place late spring; pricing & schedule TBD.

Please contact us at info@royalsfieldhockey.com if you have any questions.