Field hockey clubs feedback

[Anonymous]

It’s important for kids to find a coach that is a fit for them. DD played for one of the coaches mentioned in this thread, described by others as crazy. Many people still play for and support this coach. DD is now with another team and it is a much better fit for her. Along the way, we looked into other teams and one praised highly on here was not a fit for DD. There is no doubt we made the right move for DD. While it’s easy to go to “the club of the moment” that’s also potentially the easy way out. Take the time to watch the other clubs. Notice how many coaches there per player or how the coaches interact with players. Go watch practice and send your kid to one of possible.

Please remember, this is club, not rec. It is not realistic to think all players should have equal time or that all players should play in every game. Not all kids can be on the top team. It is OK for your kid to be on the B team or C team if that is their level of play.

[Anonymous]

I think when clubs have A, B, C teams, it’s valuable to all the players because they are placed at the appropriate skill level and get to have decent playing time so skills can improve (Next Level, Freedom, Alpha, Warhawks). What I didn’t know before that I know now is that is how most clubs work. However, the club DD was at did not have tiers and only 1 team per an age group with 20+ players (sometimes more than 25+ players) and only the “core” team got all the playing time and the rest just paid the carrying cost for the club (play anywhere between 0 to 5 minutes of a 55 minute game). Over $3500 per year excluding travel expenses, uniform, equipment, membership fees. At the club my DD was at, the coach would tell those carrying cost players you aren’t strong enough to play at this tournament (would also say we aren’t here to win but here to develop players) but wouldn’t inform them or the parents prior to the tournament that their DD would not get playing time and those families would spend another $1000 to $2000 in airfare, hotel costs. The coach would say it’s a learning experience to dress and be on the sidelines. Thinking back maybe that was the club’s way to get DD to leave but I don’t think the club’s cost model would work without the carrying cost players. So parents looking for field hockey clubs, make sure you find the right fit for DD. Don’t pay to be on a team where your DD won’t develop. Don’t be the offset carrying costs. Ask the questions to the club about number of players on the team, number of teams that attend a tournament by age group, how is playing time distributed at local, regional, vs National events. For recruiting events, make sure you understand the amount of playing time DD gets otherwise it’s a pointless money pit. It’s okay for DD not to be on the A team or B team. It’s not okay for DD to be an offset to carry the clubs costs. It’s not okay to grow a player. It’s mentally unhealthy to cultivate a single team with the core players and the outsiders (different when starters and subs). These outside players know it and feel the pain of not truly being apart of the team. In the end each of us are paying money for a service and you should know the service you will receive.

[Anonymous]

I honestly don’t understand how these clubs with only one team per age group work. Do they cut a lot of players for the winter or do two teams for indoor? I don’t see 20 kids sitting on the bench at NIT/NITQ but I also feel like I haven’t seen multiple teams from the same club at those tournaments.

[Anonymous]

At DD club, usually two teams for indoor - A and B. Max out at 12 players. At DD club, of the 12 players on the roster, approximately 8 see the court on the A team (5 field, 1 GK). Rest are bench players that should be on the B team but B team roster is maxed out too and everyone needs to be rostered. B team rarely makes it through NITQ. Some clubs do indoor as an add on fee and you have to tryout for the team. Some clubs do 3+ indoor teams with max 9 players so good amount of playing time because they have numerous goalies. Goalies are the limiting factor on number of teams plus costs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think when clubs have A, B, C teams, it’s valuable to all the players because they are placed at the appropriate skill level and get to have decent playing time so skills can improve (Next Level, Freedom, Alpha, Warhawks). What I didn’t know before that I know now is that is how most clubs work. However, the club DD was at did not have tiers and only 1 team per an age group with 20+ players (sometimes more than 25+ players) and only the “core” team got all the playing time and the rest just paid the carrying cost for the club (play anywhere between 0 to 5 minutes of a 55 minute game). Over $3500 per year excluding travel expenses, uniform, equipment, membership fees. At the club my DD was at, the coach would tell those carrying cost players you aren’t strong enough to play at this tournament (would also say we aren’t here to win but here to develop players) but wouldn’t inform them or the parents prior to the tournament that their DD would not get playing time and those families would spend another $1000 to $2000 in airfare, hotel costs. The coach would say it’s a learning experience to dress and be on the sidelines. Thinking back maybe that was the club’s way to get DD to leave but I don’t think the club’s cost model would work without the carrying cost players. So parents looking for field hockey clubs, make sure you find the right fit for DD. Don’t pay to be on a team where your DD won’t develop. Don’t be the offset carrying costs. Ask the questions to the club about number of players on the team, number of teams that attend a tournament by age group, how is playing time distributed at local, regional, vs National events. For recruiting events, make sure you understand the amount of playing time DD gets otherwise it’s a pointless money pit. It’s okay for DD not to be on the A team or B team. It’s not okay for DD to be an offset to carry the clubs costs. It’s not okay to grow a player. It’s mentally unhealthy to cultivate a single team with the core players and the outsiders (different when starters and subs). These outside players know it and feel the pain of not truly being apart of the team. In the end each of us are paying money for a service and you should know the service you will receive.

This is so true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I honestly don’t understand how these clubs with only one team per age group work. Do they cut a lot of players for the winter or do two teams for indoor? I don’t see 20 kids sitting on the bench at NIT/NITQ but I also feel like I haven’t seen multiple teams from the same club at those tournaments.

WC Eagles had around 10 teams at this year’s NIT that had qualified

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think when clubs have A, B, C teams, it’s valuable to all the players because they are placed at the appropriate skill level and get to have decent playing time so skills can improve (Next Level, Freedom, Alpha, Warhawks). What I didn’t know before that I know now is that is how most clubs work. However, the club DD was at did not have tiers and only 1 team per an age group with 20+ players (sometimes more than 25+ players) and only the “core” team got all the playing time and the rest just paid the carrying cost for the club (play anywhere between 0 to 5 minutes of a 55 minute game). Over $3500 per year excluding travel expenses, uniform, equipment, membership fees. At the club my DD was at, the coach would tell those carrying cost players you aren’t strong enough to play at this tournament (would also say we aren’t here to win but here to develop players) but wouldn’t inform them or the parents prior to the tournament that their DD would not get playing time and those families would spend another $1000 to $2000 in airfare, hotel costs. The coach would say it’s a learning experience to dress and be on the sidelines. Thinking back maybe that was the club’s way to get DD to leave but I don’t think the club’s cost model would work without the carrying cost players. So parents looking for field hockey clubs, make sure you find the right fit for DD. Don’t pay to be on a team where your DD won’t develop. Don’t be the offset carrying costs. Ask the questions to the club about number of players on the team, number of teams that attend a tournament by age group, how is playing time distributed at local, regional, vs National events. For recruiting events, make sure you understand the amount of playing time DD gets otherwise it’s a pointless money pit. It’s okay for DD not to be on the A team or B team. It’s not okay for DD to be an offset to carry the clubs costs. It’s not okay to grow a player. It’s mentally unhealthy to cultivate a single team with the core players and the outsiders (different when starters and subs). These outside players know it and feel the pain of not truly being apart of the team. In the end each of us are paying money for a service and you should know the service you will receive.

This is so true.

This is only true if parents can accept that their kid is placed on a team they should be on. Many people think their kid is better than they are. Also, a negative if a large club is the lower level teams get worse coaching. So they won’t improve. There are not enough coaches in this are to support all the teams. There are also not enough facilities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think when clubs have A, B, C teams, it’s valuable to all the players because they are placed at the appropriate skill level and get to have decent playing time so skills can improve (Next Level, Freedom, Alpha, Warhawks). What I didn’t know before that I know now is that is how most clubs work. However, the club DD was at did not have tiers and only 1 team per an age group with 20+ players (sometimes more than 25+ players) and only the “core” team got all the playing time and the rest just paid the carrying cost for the club (play anywhere between 0 to 5 minutes of a 55 minute game). Over $3500 per year excluding travel expenses, uniform, equipment, membership fees. At the club my DD was at, the coach would tell those carrying cost players you aren’t strong enough to play at this tournament (would also say we aren’t here to win but here to develop players) but wouldn’t inform them or the parents prior to the tournament that their DD would not get playing time and those families would spend another $1000 to $2000 in airfare, hotel costs. The coach would say it’s a learning experience to dress and be on the sidelines. Thinking back maybe that was the club’s way to get DD to leave but I don’t think the club’s cost model would work without the carrying cost players. So parents looking for field hockey clubs, make sure you find the right fit for DD. Don’t pay to be on a team where your DD won’t develop. Don’t be the offset carrying costs. Ask the questions to the club about number of players on the team, number of teams that attend a tournament by age group, how is playing time distributed at local, regional, vs National events. For recruiting events, make sure you understand the amount of playing time DD gets otherwise it’s a pointless money pit. It’s okay for DD not to be on the A team or B team. It’s not okay for DD to be an offset to carry the clubs costs. It’s not okay to grow a player. It’s mentally unhealthy to cultivate a single team with the core players and the outsiders (different when starters and subs). These outside players know it and feel the pain of not truly being apart of the team. In the end each of us are paying money for a service and you should know the service you will receive.

This is so true.

This is only true if parents can accept that their kid is placed on a team they should be on. Many people think their kid is better than they are. Also, a negative if a large club is the lower level teams get worse coaching. So they won’t improve. There are not enough coaches in this are to support all the teams. There are also not enough facilities.

The DMV has grown and coaches are available. The number of public high school and private school field hockey coaching staff clearly shows that. Facilities are a different story but clearly Warhawks, Freedom, Hussel, Next Level, and even H20 and Alpha have figured that issue out too as they are clearly running businesses as it’s not just the love of the game. Being on a single large team with “strong” coaches doesn’t mean the coaches coach to the lowest common denominator. Most of the low skilled players are sidelined even during practice. I watched numerous practices back in the day where my DD would be standing with a group of “lower tiered” players watching the same core group practice corners and other drills while the head coach ignored them and focused all attention to the top players all the while half the field is completely empty where other skill drills could be taking place. I saw the same thing occur during practice scrimmages where the coach would forget to sub them in even at practice. As for parents accepting what level their DD should be placed in is a problem in either situation: 1 large team or A/B/C team because either they won’t be happy with amount of playing time/development on large team or might not like having their child on a low team. I can say with experience I prefer DD on the team that’s allows her time to touch the field and not be carried by the top players so she can learn and grow. That has pushed DD every year to get better and retry-out during placement annually.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think when clubs have A, B, C teams, it’s valuable to all the players because they are placed at the appropriate skill level and get to have decent playing time so skills can improve (Next Level, Freedom, Alpha, Warhawks). What I didn’t know before that I know now is that is how most clubs work. However, the club DD was at did not have tiers and only 1 team per an age group with 20+ players (sometimes more than 25+ players) and only the “core” team got all the playing time and the rest just paid the carrying cost for the club (play anywhere between 0 to 5 minutes of a 55 minute game). Over $3500 per year excluding travel expenses, uniform, equipment, membership fees. At the club my DD was at, the coach would tell those carrying cost players you aren’t strong enough to play at this tournament (would also say we aren’t here to win but here to develop players) but wouldn’t inform them or the parents prior to the tournament that their DD would not get playing time and those families would spend another $1000 to $2000 in airfare, hotel costs. The coach would say it’s a learning experience to dress and be on the sidelines. Thinking back maybe that was the club’s way to get DD to leave but I don’t think the club’s cost model would work without the carrying cost players. So parents looking for field hockey clubs, make sure you find the right fit for DD. Don’t pay to be on a team where your DD won’t develop. Don’t be the offset carrying costs. Ask the questions to the club about number of players on the team, number of teams that attend a tournament by age group, how is playing time distributed at local, regional, vs National events. For recruiting events, make sure you understand the amount of playing time DD gets otherwise it’s a pointless money pit. It’s okay for DD not to be on the A team or B team. It’s not okay for DD to be an offset to carry the clubs costs. It’s not okay to grow a player. It’s mentally unhealthy to cultivate a single team with the core players and the outsiders (different when starters and subs). These outside players know it and feel the pain of not truly being apart of the team. In the end each of us are paying money for a service and you should know the service you will receive.

This is so true.

This is only true if parents can accept that their kid is placed on a team they should be on. Many people think their kid is better than they are. Also, a negative if a large club is the lower level teams get worse coaching. So they won’t improve. There are not enough coaches in this are to support all the teams. There are also not enough facilities.

The DMV has grown and coaches are available. The number of public high school and private school field hockey coaching staff clearly shows that. Facilities are a different story but clearly Warhawks, Freedom, Hussel, Next Level, and even H20 and Alpha have figured that issue out too as they are clearly running businesses as it’s not just the love of the game. Being on a single large team with “strong” coaches doesn’t mean the coaches coach to the lowest common denominator. Most of the low skilled players are sidelined even during practice. I watched numerous practices back in the day where my DD would be standing with a group of “lower tiered” players watching the same core group practice corners and other drills while the head coach ignored them and focused all attention to the top players all the while half the field is completely empty where other skill drills could be taking place. I saw the same thing occur during practice scrimmages where the coach would forget to sub them in even at practice. As for parents accepting what level their DD should be placed in is a problem in either situation: 1 large team or A/B/C team because either they won’t be happy with amount of playing time/development on large team or might not like having their child on a low team. I can say with experience I prefer DD on the team that’s allows her time to touch the field and not be carried by the top players so she can learn and grow. That has pushed DD every year to get better and retry-out during placement annually.

In Northern Virginia, there are multiple high schools looking for coaches every year. I know of one school that held tryouts without a coach and another that has a dad coach because there was no other interested coach. I know other schools have asked lacrosse coaches or softball coaches to coach field hockey. Some schools have coaches and a program, but it does not mean they have a coach who ever played field hockey or know anything about the game.

Some clubs care only about winning, others care about developing players and including everyone, and a few manage to balance winning and development. Unless your kid is a top performer for a club that only cares about winning there is no reason to stick around. Likewise, having a top performer on a club that only cares about developing players isn't necessarily the best spot for top performers because they may not be pushed enough. Finding a club, you can commute to, that balances winning and development is ideal, but not possible for everyone in the DMV.

Every season there are kids moving clubs. There is no perfect club, even those who have been with a club for years will tell you their club is not perfect. Find a club that works for your kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This weekend was the regional club championships and teams from MD and DE compete. Based on the level of play, the top clubs in the local DMV commuting area are Freedom and Warhawks. Watching these teams play in all three levels, there is no comparison on the stellar coaching and athletic ability of the teams. These clubs seem to focus on the fundamentals, conditioning and field IQ. The ball is glued to their stick, they understand passing lanes, and their speed on and off the ball is very strong. Also, the coaches clearly coached constructively on the sidelines. Other teams in the commuting area don’t compare to these 2 clubs. The one thing I noticed was Washington Wolves carried a large roster with atleast 7 plus players warming the bench in each age bracket. I heard numerous parents frustrated about this. The other clubs seemed reasonable with 2-3 active subs and no bench players. If Freedom or Warhawks is too far, one clear up and coming team looks like Next Level’s younger u14 age group as their roster size was not large giving all players the ability to participate and develop and the coaching was clear during the game on how to adjust.

This was the RCCs for region 7 (I think that's the right one).

Region 8 also played in VA Beach. Husel placed pretty well this year in both U14 and U16, considering they play against some powerhouse VA Beach and Richmond Teams and are a pretty small club. Metro did really well, too. Hammers finished at the back of the pack, at least for U16. Mustangs and Nova Extreme didn't place well, either. (Those clubs have some strong suits, though, imo, beyond "wins v. losses.")

The top team (FOCUS) is a HUGE club with multiple club locations and they get to pick/choose the best players for their RCC Team. They won it all. The Nova teams just don't have that same ability, unfortunately.

As for recruitment, I won't say who we play for but they have not helped with recruiting at all. Though I get the sense (hear the gossip) that some of the players get help/promoted. It's extremely frustrating. We've considered other options but we are too far along at this point and think it would not be a positive reflection if we did.

It’s never too late to change clubs. I know of plenty of girls who changed clubs in their Junior or Senior year and went on the play in college, at least 1 played at a D1 college.

If you hear the gossip, it’s true. One of the clubs you mentioned lost a ton of girls recently and I don’t think any of those who left regret it. They went to a couple of different clubs and wish they made the jump sooner.

When you are inside the club it’s really hard to see all the issues (or maybe believe them). Once you are outside, it’s much more clear.

Oh trust me, I absolutely believe it. But . . . it's complicated.

I would encourage you to leave. There was just a question asked on the Field Hockey Discussion forum on Facebook about switching clubs after a player commits (specifically because of mental health) and all the respondents said to switch. A couple were from college coaches and they agreed with switching.

DD beyond frustrated with current team. Current DMV team doesn’t give playing time to non committed D1 players so it’s mentally taxing being on a team that you are just paying to sit on the bench or according to the coach it’s all a learning opportunity to be on the sidelines watching (I can get that when it’s a local tournament but when requiring the player to travel especially when there is significant travel expenses to the tournaments and not play is cruel. Coach brings a roster of 18-20 and only plays 13 players: 11 starters and two subs for 10-15 min; rest are bench warmers/bill payers). DD mental health is in the toilet. The club talks about players mental health as a focus but it’s all hype. DD needs to leave the club but is too afraid to because of all the time and relationships DD has built but seeing how the coach just breaks DD down mentally is too much now. I know I should have pulled the trigger earlier in pulling DD out but I was also enamored by the hype of D1 or top D3 playing. Beware of these types of clubs that show love on Instagram for their players and the coaches are very superficial friendly and talk about mental health and well being and growing the game. I should have noticed the trickle of players switching from the club from u14 and u16 and even some u19 but I didn’t. There are always warning signs. Look out for them.

Update - DD decided to leave the team and prioritize her mental health after thinking everything through (DD had been thinking about this for the past few weeks). DD informed the coach this morning that she is leaving the team and why. Proud of DD. It was a challenging decision but her mood is so much lighter. DD decided she will do local field hockey clinics instead because she loves the sport. To the poster that encouraged putting individual mental health over the team longevity, thank you. Playing a team sport does not need to be toxic.

What an awful situation for your daughter. I'm glad she left.

What club was this?

[Anonymous]

Hi, Havey you considered Mustangs Field Hockey? Our daughter loves her team, coaches, and the level of play!

[Anonymous]

We had been in a similar situation with one of the clubs discussed in this post. Still keep in touch with current players families. It’s a mixed bag. Players and parents continue to praise the coach to make sure they are on the coach’s good side because they don’t want their player to be blackballed any further. Coach makes the rounds with parents and players being super friendly. Behind the scenes, lots of tears for the players who are sidelined and lots of smiles for the players who are deemed the best. Don’t know if the club is unaware or doesn’t care about the team dynamics. Next time at a tournament for u16 or u19 go watch some of the clubs mentioned in this post. It will be obvious which club does this with their maxed out rosters and numerous players standing around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This weekend was the regional club championships and teams from MD and DE compete. Based on the level of play, the top clubs in the local DMV commuting area are Freedom and Warhawks. Watching these teams play in all three levels, there is no comparison on the stellar coaching and athletic ability of the teams. These clubs seem to focus on the fundamentals, conditioning and field IQ. The ball is glued to their stick, they understand passing lanes, and their speed on and off the ball is very strong. Also, the coaches clearly coached constructively on the sidelines. Other teams in the commuting area don’t compare to these 2 clubs. The one thing I noticed was Washington Wolves carried a large roster with atleast 7 plus players warming the bench in each age bracket. I heard numerous parents frustrated about this. The other clubs seemed reasonable with 2-3 active subs and no bench players. If Freedom or Warhawks is too far, one clear up and coming team looks like Next Level’s younger u14 age group as their roster size was not large giving all players the ability to participate and develop and the coaching was clear during the game on how to adjust.

This was the RCCs for region 7 (I think that's the right one).

Region 8 also played in VA Beach. Husel placed pretty well this year in both U14 and U16, considering they play against some powerhouse VA Beach and Richmond Teams and are a pretty small club. Metro did really well, too. Hammers finished at the back of the pack, at least for U16. Mustangs and Nova Extreme didn't place well, either. (Those clubs have some strong suits, though, imo, beyond "wins v. losses.")

The top team (FOCUS) is a HUGE club with multiple club locations and they get to pick/choose the best players for their RCC Team. They won it all. The Nova teams just don't have that same ability, unfortunately.

As for recruitment, I won't say who we play for but they have not helped with recruiting at all. Though I get the sense (hear the gossip) that some of the players get help/promoted. It's extremely frustrating. We've considered other options but we are too far along at this point and think it would not be a positive reflection if we did.

It’s never too late to change clubs. I know of plenty of girls who changed clubs in their Junior or Senior year and went on the play in college, at least 1 played at a D1 college.

If you hear the gossip, it’s true. One of the clubs you mentioned lost a ton of girls recently and I don’t think any of those who left regret it. They went to a couple of different clubs and wish they made the jump sooner.

When you are inside the club it’s really hard to see all the issues (or maybe believe them). Once you are outside, it’s much more clear.

Oh trust me, I absolutely believe it. But . . . it's complicated.

I would encourage you to leave. There was just a question asked on the Field Hockey Discussion forum on Facebook about switching clubs after a player commits (specifically because of mental health) and all the respondents said to switch. A couple were from college coaches and they agreed with switching.

DD beyond frustrated with current team. Current DMV team doesn’t give playing time to non committed D1 players so it’s mentally taxing being on a team that you are just paying to sit on the bench or according to the coach it’s all a learning opportunity to be on the sidelines watching (I can get that when it’s a local tournament but when requiring the player to travel especially when there is significant travel expenses to the tournaments and not play is cruel. Coach brings a roster of 18-20 and only plays 13 players: 11 starters and two subs for 10-15 min; rest are bench warmers/bill payers). DD mental health is in the toilet. The club talks about players mental health as a focus but it’s all hype. DD needs to leave the club but is too afraid to because of all the time and relationships DD has built but seeing how the coach just breaks DD down mentally is too much now. I know I should have pulled the trigger earlier in pulling DD out but I was also enamored by the hype of D1 or top D3 playing. Beware of these types of clubs that show love on Instagram for their players and the coaches are very superficial friendly and talk about mental health and well being and growing the game. I should have noticed the trickle of players switching from the club from u14 and u16 and even some u19 but I didn’t. There are always warning signs. Look out for them.

Update - DD decided to leave the team and prioritize her mental health after thinking everything through (DD had been thinking about this for the past few weeks). DD informed the coach this morning that she is leaving the team and why. Proud of DD. It was a challenging decision but her mood is so much lighter. DD decided she will do local field hockey clinics instead because she loves the sport. To the poster that encouraged putting individual mental health over the team longevity, thank you. Playing a team sport does not need to be toxic.

What an awful situation for your daughter. I'm glad she left.

What club was this?

The one club in the DMV that has only one team per U level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This weekend was the regional club championships and teams from MD and DE compete. Based on the level of play, the top clubs in the local DMV commuting area are Freedom and Warhawks. Watching these teams play in all three levels, there is no comparison on the stellar coaching and athletic ability of the teams. These clubs seem to focus on the fundamentals, conditioning and field IQ. The ball is glued to their stick, they understand passing lanes, and their speed on and off the ball is very strong. Also, the coaches clearly coached constructively on the sidelines. Other teams in the commuting area don’t compare to these 2 clubs. The one thing I noticed was Washington Wolves carried a large roster with atleast 7 plus players warming the bench in each age bracket. I heard numerous parents frustrated about this. The other clubs seemed reasonable with 2-3 active subs and no bench players. If Freedom or Warhawks is too far, one clear up and coming team looks like Next Level’s younger u14 age group as their roster size was not large giving all players the ability to participate and develop and the coaching was clear during the game on how to adjust.

This was the RCCs for region 7 (I think that's the right one).

Region 8 also played in VA Beach. Husel placed pretty well this year in both U14 and U16, considering they play against some powerhouse VA Beach and Richmond Teams and are a pretty small club. Metro did really well, too. Hammers finished at the back of the pack, at least for U16. Mustangs and Nova Extreme didn't place well, either. (Those clubs have some strong suits, though, imo, beyond "wins v. losses.")

The top team (FOCUS) is a HUGE club with multiple club locations and they get to pick/choose the best players for their RCC Team. They won it all. The Nova teams just don't have that same ability, unfortunately.

As for recruitment, I won't say who we play for but they have not helped with recruiting at all. Though I get the sense (hear the gossip) that some of the players get help/promoted. It's extremely frustrating. We've considered other options but we are too far along at this point and think it would not be a positive reflection if we did.

It’s never too late to change clubs. I know of plenty of girls who changed clubs in their Junior or Senior year and went on the play in college, at least 1 played at a D1 college.

If you hear the gossip, it’s true. One of the clubs you mentioned lost a ton of girls recently and I don’t think any of those who left regret it. They went to a couple of different clubs and wish they made the jump sooner.

When you are inside the club it’s really hard to see all the issues (or maybe believe them). Once you are outside, it’s much more clear.

Oh trust me, I absolutely believe it. But . . . it's complicated.

I would encourage you to leave. There was just a question asked on the Field Hockey Discussion forum on Facebook about switching clubs after a player commits (specifically because of mental health) and all the respondents said to switch. A couple were from college coaches and they agreed with switching.

DD beyond frustrated with current team. Current DMV team doesn’t give playing time to non committed D1 players so it’s mentally taxing being on a team that you are just paying to sit on the bench or according to the coach it’s all a learning opportunity to be on the sidelines watching (I can get that when it’s a local tournament but when requiring the player to travel especially when there is significant travel expenses to the tournaments and not play is cruel. Coach brings a roster of 18-20 and only plays 13 players: 11 starters and two subs for 10-15 min; rest are bench warmers/bill payers). DD mental health is in the toilet. The club talks about players mental health as a focus but it’s all hype. DD needs to leave the club but is too afraid to because of all the time and relationships DD has built but seeing how the coach just breaks DD down mentally is too much now. I know I should have pulled the trigger earlier in pulling DD out but I was also enamored by the hype of D1 or top D3 playing. Beware of these types of clubs that show love on Instagram for their players and the coaches are very superficial friendly and talk about mental health and well being and growing the game. I should have noticed the trickle of players switching from the club from u14 and u16 and even some u19 but I didn’t. There are always warning signs. Look out for them.

Update - DD decided to leave the team and prioritize her mental health after thinking everything through (DD had been thinking about this for the past few weeks). DD informed the coach this morning that she is leaving the team and why. Proud of DD. It was a challenging decision but her mood is so much lighter. DD decided she will do local field hockey clinics instead because she loves the sport. To the poster that encouraged putting individual mental health over the team longevity, thank you. Playing a team sport does not need to be toxic.

What an awful situation for your daughter. I'm glad she left.

What club was this?

The one club in the DMV that has only one team per U level.

There are multiple teams in the DMV with one team for outdoor and 2 teams for indoor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi, Havey you considered Mustangs Field Hockey? Our daughter loves her team, coaches, and the level of play!

Buyer beware. Many issues still being worked out. Coaches are nice.