My DD started in 7th Grade and made Varsity in 9th. It’s a great time to start. She had never played a Team sport before.

Beyond Sticks is a great local program for kids looking to learn the sport. They have spring sessions as well if she wants to get her feet wet!


https://www.beyondsticks.com

SCAA is holding a free clinic on 3/30 from 4-6pm for kids to come out a try FH. check out their website. if she likes it they have a spring league with practices every sunday and some play days against local rec clubs

https://www.sccolts.com/scaafieldhockey

It's a great time to start! If she likes it and wants to get better quickly, she may want to seek out a club opportunity. But trying out for her school team would be a low-key way to try it. Keep an ear out to see if they have any clinics or camps in your area this summer.

Thank you for the responses! She's heading into middle school and considering learning field hockey. With most sports around here kids start early (5-8 age) so I wasn't sure how late she would be to the sport.

Yes, sorry definitely meant not unusual! It’s a natural change actually.

I think PP meant to say “not unusual” for girls to switch from soccer to FH. Plenty of girls pick up field hockey in HS. If she’s a strong athlete she will be fine unless her school has a crazy amazing team.

It depends on your school - eg at Yorktown in Arlington its quite competitive, but there is also a freshman team where some kids get their start. Its not usual for soccer kids to switch to field hockey and be successful.

Our DD has been playing one sport for four years and is on a travel team. She's mentioned trying out for field hockey, but she's never played. What age do girls typically start this sport and is it highly competitive like Lacrosse and Soccer?