Field hockey is not for everyone, and that is why Field Hockey Alberta is offering Try It Free on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Barrhead Composite High School.
The event is for youth who are interested in giving the sport of field hockey a try, the event is free, and provides youth with the opportunity to learn a sport that has been played for generations.
“Try It Free is a concept from Field Hockey Alberta where we will go into communities and run an event… the kids have a chance to participate in the sport on a very basic level,” Stefanie Sloboda, Regional Director for Field Hockey Alberta, said. “It is an opportunity to try the sport out without signing up for anything, especially for a sport that is not new in history but is new in communities.”
The kids learn about the history of the sport, the equipment used, and the rules of playing field hockey.
Sloboda said they are expecting between 30-40 kids, however they are prepared if more register for the event.
“We can do anywhere up to 30 or 40 kids, even more than that,” she said. “Once the deadline hits we look at what the numbers are and if there are too many we may have to open another event.”
Youth who are interested can register online, Sloboda said, adding that is how they keep track of the number of participants.
At the event parents have the opportunity to observe their children playing, so they can see whether or not their child enjoys field hockey, and if interested, they can sign up for the spring program.
“During that time parents are having a chance to observe if their children are having fun and enjoying it,” Sloboda said. “They can also ideally sign up for the spring program right at that event.”
The program does not have a specific location as of yet, but it will be located in the Barrhead area.
“We are still looking for facilities, and we are still working out those details,” Sloboda said, adding ideally the sport would be played outdoors in the spring and summer seasons.
“Whatever we can get a hold of is what we will use,” she said.
Those who sign up for the spring program will also have the chance to take part in a fun tournament.
“They have an opportunity to attend a local tournament,” Sloboda said.
The tournament will be hosted in a larger, more central region in either Calgary or Edmonton.
“That is where all of the regions will come in,” Sloboda said, adding that tournament would be their main competition.
“Otherwise they would just be playing against the community or whoever signs up for the Barrhead group,” she said.
All of the equipment is provided for the free event and the spring program, however families are required to bring their child one thing if they decide to play in the spring.
“The only thing you are required to have, if you are wanting to participate in a scrimmage format, is to bring a mouth guard,” Sloboda said.
Field hockey is an Olympic sport that can be played indoors or out. Depending on the setting will determine how many players hit the field.
When played on a field, 11 players are used, and when played on a court, only six players are needed.
“It is the second most team played sport in the world,” Sloboda said. “It is very popular everywhere else in the world but North America because of the snow.”
The sport has several unique rules, Sloboda said.
“You can’t use your feet, and you can only use one side of the stick,” she said.
The sticks are shorter than the one’s used for hockey, however Sloboda said the sport is still very fast-paced.
“It is a great inexpensive sport to play, it’s safe, there is no body contact, and it is easy to pick-up,” Sloboda said. “It’s a really great spring to summer transition game, especially in our climate.”
Those interested can register at cometryfieldhockey.com, before Feb. 17.
